A fire has broken out on a boat during a sea cruise in the Egyptian Red Sea, and as a result, three British tourists are currently reported as missing.
The boat, named Hurricane, was off the coast of Marsa Alam when the incident occurred. Authorities have reported that 24 individuals, including 12 Britons, were successfully rescued from the boat. Initial investigations suggest that the fire, which broke out at 06:30 local time, may have been caused by an electrical fault.
The boat was on a dive cruise and had departed from Port Ghalib on June 6, with the original plan to return on Sunday. Among the individuals on board were 15 British passengers, along with 10 crew members and two guides. The Red Sea Governorate has stated that preliminary examinations indicate an electrical short circuit in the engine room as the likely cause of the fire. The public prosecution office has initiated an investigation into the incident.
Fortunately, all those who were rescued are reported to be in good health. The fire occurred while the crew was conducting a diving briefing at Elphinstone Reef, a popular diving destination known for its diverse marine life, including vibrant corals and sharks.
The Red Sea is a well-known resort area for diving trips, and the incident has raised concerns about its impact on the tourism industry. The Foreign Office has stated that it is providing support to the British nationals involved and is in contact with local authorities regarding the incident