Everything we know as six people dead in Egypt after tourist submarine sank in Red Sea
Here is everything we know about the tourist submarine which sank off the coast of Egypt, killing six passengers earlier today (27 March).
Local officials have so far confirmed six fatalities, with a further 29 of those on board reported to have been taken to local hospitals with injuries.
The sinking occurred near the Egyptian city of Hurghada, which lies on the Red Sea coast, around 290 miles (470 km) away from the capital city of Cairo. The Russian consulate said the sinking took place about 1,000 metres (0.6 miles) offshore.
Hurghada is a destination which is particularly popular with tourists, particularly snorkelers and divers who are interested in seeing the regions coral reefs and diverse marine life.
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When did the submarine sink?
According to the BBC, the sinking took place at around 10.00am local time (8.00am GMT)
The submarine involved was named Sindbad, with the company's website stating that tours will show passengers 'breathtaking views' of '500 metres of coral reef and its marine inhabitants' adding that passengers can 'experience the beauty of the Red Sea's underwater world without getting wet'.
Tours run regularly and usually cruises at around 80ft (25 metres) under the surface. Images of the Sindbad submarine reveal a vessel with large windows and panoramic views of the ocean-floor.
Who was on board the submarine when it sank?
Reports of the total number of passengers onboard have varied, however PA states that a total of 50 people — 45 tourists and five Egyptian crew members — were on board the vessel when it sank.
It was since been confirmed that the six fatalities were Russian nationals, with Amr Hanafi, the governor for the Red Sea region, adding that the other passengers included Swedish, Norwegian and Indian citizens.
It's understood that four of the six fatalities occurred from drowning. Russia's Tass news agency said the casualties included two children, citing a report from the Russian consulate in Hurghada.
All passengers have since been accounted for.
What caused the submarine to sink?
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Egyptian authorities are currently investigating the cause of the submarine sinking, with an official reason yet to be revealed.
Governor Hanafi has since stated the vessel held valid licences and the crew leader had the correct 'scientific certificates'.
What have survivors from the submarine been saying?
Some tourists who were on board the submarine have claimed that the vessel started diving before all of the hatches were closed.
Elena Boldareva said that when the sub started diving with hatches open water started pouring in and 'some managed to swim out, some didn't'.
Another passenger said they have been attempting to board the sub when 'the submarine suddenly started to sink, even though the hatches were open', and they said they were pushed back away from it.
LADbible has contacted Sindbad Submarines for comment on this matter.
What's happening with the investigation?
The BBC reports that the crew of the submarine have been questioned by Egyptian authorities over the sunken sub as they attempt to determine what happened.
All five crew members on the sub were Egyptian, and given that all people on board are accounted for while six tourists are reported to have died they would all seem to have survived.
Additional words by Joe Harker
Topics: World News, Travel
Brenna Cooper