At least six people are feared dead after a tourist submarine sank off the coast of Egypt.

A further nine have been left injured in the incident, with four in critical condition, according to local reports.

The tourist submarine, named Sindbad, had been carrying 44 passengers at the time of the sinking on Thursday, as it sailed off the coast of Hurghada.

Rescue services have so far managed to save 29 people, reports Egyptian newspaper Al Masry Al Youm.

The Red Sea Security Directorate was informed about a tourist submarine sinking near the harbor in front of a well-known hotel, although the hotel’s name has not been disclosed in local media.

Reports indicate that the Red Sea Health Directorate and Egyptian Ambulance Authority are on high alert in response to the incident.

Approximately 21 ambulances have been sent to the location of the accident to transfer the injured individuals to nearby hospitals like Al-Kawthar because of the serious nature of their injuries.

The 44 passengers ‘of different nationalities’ had been out on a sea trip to see Egypt’s coral reefs and tropical fish before the vessel, which can dive to depths of up to 72 ft, sank. 

The tourist submarine, named Sindbad, had been carrying 44 passengers at the time of the sinking on Thursday, as it sailed off the coast of Hurghada (file image)

The submarine has been operating for several years (file image)

The submarine has been operating tourist trips in Hurghada for several years. 

According to the operator, Sharm Hurghada Excursions, the underwater tour is three-hours long and costs £68 per adult ticket, and £35 for children.  

The company boasts its excursions allow visitors to admire Hurghada’s underwater life and extensive coral reef, enjoy a diving experience while staying dry, and see life underwater at a depth of 72ft. 

It also claims it holds two of the only ’14 real recreational submarines’ in the world.

The website for Sindbad Submarines continues: ‘It offers 44 passenger seats – two pilots’ seats and a sizable round viewing window for each passenger.’  

The cause and circumstance of the sinking have not yet been confirmed or reported. 

Hurghada is a popular tourist destination for Brits and Germans and several nautical jaunts operate from the coast. 

This is not the first time an incident involving tourist boats has occurred in the waters off the coastal city.

An aerial view on Hurghada town located on the Red Sea coast, Egypt (file image)

In November last year, a tourist boat named Sea Story sank off Egypt’s Red Sea coast.

The boat sank near Shaab Satayah, a coral reef popular for diving trips, off the tourist resort of Marsa Alam in the early hours of November 25.

Those who escaped the vessel said a ‘high sea wave’ had hit it and caused it to capsize in ‘about five or seven minutes’, Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafi said at the time. 

The incident occurred during rough weather conditions, with the Egyptian Red Sea Ports Authority reporting wave heights of 10 to 13 feet and wind speeds of 34 knots in the area, leading to the closure of maritime traffic. 

The boat departed on a diving trip from the port of Ghalib in Marsa Alam on November 24 and was scheduled to arrive at Hurghada Marina on November 29.

Some of the survivors were reportedly flown back to shore by a helicopter to receive medical care, while others were transported via another boat.

UK investigators said last month there had been 16 incidents involving ‘liveaboard’ vessels in the area in the last five years, with a number resulting in deaths. 

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.