Egyptian state media say a semi-submarine tourist vessel has sunk off the country's popular Red Sea coast, killing at least six people.

A recreational submarine taking 45 tourists on an underwater cruise of coral reefs sank off the Egyptian Red Sea resort town of Hurghada, leaving six people dead.

The Red Sea Governorate said the submarine had 50 people on board, 45 tourists and five crew, Reuters reported. The tourists were of nationalities including Russia, India, Norway and Sweden, Reuters said.