Three confirmed dead after fire engulfs dive boat in Egypt
The dive boat is engulfed in flames. Image courtesy of Vijaya S @VijayaS04
Three missing British passengers who were on a diving boat in Egypt that caught fire on the weekend have died, tour operator Scuba Travel has confirmed.
The fire broke out at around 8:30am local time (6:30am UK time) on Sunday 11 June and engulfed the motorboat Hurricane off the coast of Marsa Alam, Egypt.
In a statement, the company said the three passengers were among 15 qualified diving enthusiasts who were staying onboard Hurricane for a week when the fire broke out.
A spokesman for Scuba Travel says: “It is with great regret that we, as tour operator, with heavy hearts, must accept that three of our much-valued dive guests, perished in the tragic incident.
“Our sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to their families and friends at this very sad time.”
A total of 29 people were reportedly on board when the fire broke out.
According to local reports, the divers were having their morning briefing when a fire broke out onboard and they were evacuated to another craft nearby.
“At the time the fire broke out, 12 divers were participating in a briefing on board, while those missing had apparently decided not to dive that morning.”
It is understood that the three victims had decided not to dive that morning.
According to Scuba Travel, the 14 crew members also had to abandon ship after trying to reach the missing guests.
Footage from the incident shows passengers in lifeboats as the fire rips through the boat.
Initial reports suggest the fire was due to an electrical fault.
The Foreign Office has not yet confirmed the deaths.
