Jun 11, 2023 at 11:53am BST
Updated 1 hour ago
video caption,
WATCH: The boat named Hurricane caught fire off the coast of Marsa Alam
Three British tourists are missing after a fire aboard a dive boat in Egypt’s Red Sea.
According to the authorities, 26 other people, including 12 Brits, were rescued from the boat called “Hurricane”, which was off the coast of Marsa Alam.
They added that initial reports said the fire at 06:30 local time was due to an electrical fault.
The boat had been on a liveaboard cruise and left Port Ghalib on June 6 and was due to return on Sunday.
The boat’s operator, Tornado Marine Fleet, said there were 15 British passengers on board, along with 12 crew members and two guides – a different number than previously given by the local authority, the Red Sea Governorate.
Local authorities said initial investigations revealed an electrical short in the engine room while prosecutors were investigating.
All rescued were said to be fine.
The Hurricane is one of several operated by the Tornado Marine Fleet.
A spokesman said the fire started while the crew were conducting the dive briefing at Elphinstone Reef – a diving destination known for its abundance of marine life, including colorful corals and sharks.
Scuba Travel, which chartered the boat, said the group on board had been on a seven-day tour and the company was working with local authorities and expert advisers.
“Our top priority is the safety of our guests,” said a spokesman.
The Red Sea is a popular resort for diving trips.
“This is really bad news for the tourism industry,” said BBC News correspondent Sally Nabil. “They depend on tourism, British tourism in particular.”
The Foreign Office said it supported the British nationals involved.
A spokesman said: “We are in contact with local authorities following an incident on board a dive boat near Marsa Alam and are supporting the British nationals involved.”
Are you in the area? How did this story affect you? Tell us via email: [email protected].
Please provide a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:
If you are reading this page and cannot see the form, you must visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment, or you can email us at [email protected]. Please include your name, age and place of residence with each submission.