Six people have died after a tourist submarine sank in the Red Sea, while 39 others were rescued.
The submarine went down about one kilometer from the shore. A local official confirmed that all 45 tourists and five crew members on board have been accounted for.
The passengers were from Russia, Norway, Sweden, and India. Six Russian tourists lost their lives in the accident.
Sindbad, the company operating the submarine, has canceled all future trips while authorities investigate. The cause of the sinking is still unknown, but one report suggests the submarine may have hit a reef about 20 meters deep.
The submarine was taking tourists to see coral reefs in the Hurghada area of Egypt. Sindbad Submarines, which has been offering trips in the area for years, says its submarines can take passengers 25 meters deep to view marine life.
The company’s website states that oxygen masks and life vests are available on board for emergencies. Trips usually start with a check-in at 11 a.m., followed by a boat transfer to the submarine, which is boarded at around 12:35 p.m.
Reports of the accident first appeared late Thursday morning. Sindbad Submarines has not yet commented on the incident.
