State TV: Iran launches its first submarine for tourists in Persian Gulf waters

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran has launched its first submarine for tourists in the Persian Gulf waters, an all-Iranian-made undersea vehicle.

State TV says the sub has been dubbed Morvarid, or Pearl in Farsi, and has the capacity to carry four people per voyage. It says the vessel is four meters (13 feet) long and three meters (9.8 feet) in both width and height.

Friday's report says the submarine will serve tourists in Kish Island, Iran's prime tourist spot in the Gulf.

Morvarid has been entirely designed and manufactured by Iranian experts. The TV also says it has a speed of up to 12 knots, has a diesel generator but can be electrically-powered for up to six to 10 hours.

Iran's Navy has several Russian-made and smaller Iranian-built submarines in service.