Six killed, 39 rescued as Egyptian tourist sub sinks on trip to coral reef

AT least six people, including two children, died when a holiday submarine sank off the coast of Egypt.

- Emily Wright and Charlie Bradley

The Sindbad was taking 45 visitors to explore coral reefs off the Red Sea city of Hurghada a region popular with British, German and Russian holidaymakers before it crashed and went down about half a mile offshore yesterday.

Critical

Nine people among the 39 rescued by emergency services were injured and at least four were in a critical condition including young children who had to be given oxygen.

Those who died were Russians. Survivor Elena Boldareva said the sub began to dive with its hatches still open. She said: “Some managed to swim out, some didn't.”

Elena and her husband were able to swim out, though her daughter and mother were taken to hospital in a serious condition. She said people on nearby boats rushed to the scene as they desperately attempted to pull those on board out of the water.

Another unnamed survivor told Russian outlet Mash: "When my family and I were standing on a pontoon and were about to board, the submarine suddenly started to sink, even though the hatches were open.'

The passenger said: “The man who was responsible for loading shouted 'stop, stop, stop' and started pushing us back.”