Three British scuba divers missing after their tourist boat exploded in flames in Egypt have died, the tour operator has confirmed.
It is thought the three victims had decided not to dive off the “Hurricane” before the fire broke out off the coast of Marsa Alam at 8.30am on Sunday.
The 12 other divers were having a scuba briefing on deck and were immediately evacuated to another craft nearby, according to a statement.
The 14 crew members on board were also forced to abandon ship after trying to reach the missing guests.
On Monday a spokesman for Scuba Travel said: “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.”
The travel company said the three victims were among 15 qualified diving enthusiasts who were on a week-long stay.
They added: “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.
“The severity of the fire meant that the 12 divers were immediately evacuated by rib to another craft nearby and the 14 crew members, including the Captain and two dive guides, having tried to reach the missing guests, also had to abandon ship and were rescued by rib.”
In horrifying footage, the ship can be seen engulfed in flames with large plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky.
The fire was caused by an electrical short circuit on the boat, which had been on a trip since June 6 in an area just north of Marsa Alam, according to a statement from the Red Sea State governor’s office said.
The “Hurricane” is being towed to a yet-to-be-decided port as it is still smouldering and will need to cool down before entry.
It was reported that a seven-night trip cost about £1,500 and the ship was due to return to dock on Sunday.
The Foreign Office is supporting the British nationals involved.
The travel company added: “Scuba Travel wish to thank the Foreign and Commonwealth Department and Consular Office in Cairo for doing all possible to expedite emergency travel documents for the guests wishing to travel back to the UK, something which they hope to achieve early in the coming week.”
