Six people have lost their lives after a submarine full of tourists sank in the Red Sea.
A further 39 people have been rescued from the sub, which sank just over half a mile (around 1km) off the coast.
A local governor confirmed that nobody remains missing after 45 tourists and five crew members aboard the submarine were caught up in the incident yesterday (March 27).
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The tourists were from Russia, Norway, Sweden and Inidia, with six Russian tourists being confirmed to have died after the vessel sank.
The submarine’s company, Sindbad, has since cancelled all upcoming trips while authorities investigate the tragedy.
The cause of the sinking has not yet been confirmed although one report from the Association of Tour Operators of Russia has suggested that the sub might have hit a reef around 65 feet deep.
According to reports, the submarine was located in the Hurghada area of the Red Sea in Egypt to take tourists to see the coral reefs.
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On the Sindbad Submarines website, it says: “[Go] below sea level for 40 minutes enjoying the corals and fish with divers show to take photos for unforgettable memory, then you will be transferred back by the same boat to the marine.”
The site goes on to say: “It offers 44 passenger seats. Two pilots’ seats and a sizable round viewing window for each passenger. Experience the beauty of the Red Sea’s underwater world without getting wet. It’s perfect for all ages and the memories will last a lifetime.
“We provide point-to-point transfer from your hotel to our terminal, including land-sea transportation, and all with an excellent level of service.”
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Sindbad has been running tourist trips in the Hurghada area for several years.
On its website, the company explains that it holds two of the only ‘14 real recreational submarines’ in the world.
The company allows tourists to travel 25 metres (82 feet) deep in the sea to explore ‘500 metres of coral reef and its marine inhabitant’.
On its site, the company explains that oxygen masks and life vests are available in the vessel in case of an emergency.
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Journeys on the vessel typically begin with a check-in at 11am local time, followed by a boat ride to the submarine which is then boarded at around 12:35pm.
Reports of the sinking emerged shortly before midday on Thursday.
LADbible Group has reached out to Sindbad Submarines for a comment.