AT least six students have reportedly drowned and 24 others have been injured on a school trip to a beach in Egypt.

Paramedics rushed to the beach in Alexandria after receiving reports that students were struggling with the water, the country's health ministry said.

A large-scale rescue effort was launched and 16 fully-equipped ambulances were deployed.

But six students could not be saved and were pronounced dead at the scene at Abu Talat Beac h.

Rescuers treated three injured students on the beach - and another 21 were taken to nearby hospitals.

Officials in Alexandria have now ordered the closure of the beach.

Red warning flags have been raised across the area to caution people public against entering the sea due to dangerous wave conditions and strong currents.

Khaled Abdel Ghaf

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