Hurghada, Egypt – At least six people have died and nine others have been injured after a tourist submarine sank off the coast of Hurghada, a popular Red Sea resort city, local officials confirmed on Thursday.

Emergency crews managed to rescue 29 people after the vessel, Sindbad, went down while operating near the tourist promenade area. The submarine was carrying approximately 45 tourists at the time of the incident. The cause of the sinking remains unknown.

The Russian embassy in Egypt stated that all those on board were Russian nationals, including children, contradicting earlier reports suggesting a mix of nationalities.

Hurghada, famed for its coral reefs and rich marine life, is a key destination for tourists. However, maritime accidents in the region are not uncommon. In November, a tourist yacht sank in the Red Sea, resulting in four deaths.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the latest tragedy.