Three lacking British passengers who have been on a diving boat that caught hearth in Egypt have died, a tour operator has confirmed.

A spokesman for Scuba Travel stated: "It is with nice remorse that we, as tour operator, with heavy hearts, should settle for that three of our much-valued dive company, perished within the tragic incident.

"Our sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to their families and friends at this very sad time."

In a press release, the corporate stated the three passengers have been amongst 15 certified diving fans who have been on per week's keep on board the "Hurricane" dive boat when the hearth broke out at round 8:30am native time (6:30am UK time) on Sunday.

A search had been under way for the three divers following the hearth which broke out whereas the boat was off the Elphinstone Reef within the Red Sea.

"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."

According to Scuba Travel, the severity of the hearth meant that 12 of the divers have been instantly evacuated to a different craft close by and the 14 crew members additionally needed to abandon ship after making an attempt to succeed in the lacking company.

All the 12 company who have been taken off the dive ship went ashore to Marsa Shagra the place they have been supplied with any medical consideration required and gave statements to the native police.

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A full investigation into the reason for the hearth can be carried out by police and native authorities.

Authorities stated preliminary experiences prompt the hearth was because of {an electrical} fault.

The "Hurricane" is being towed to a but to be determined port as it's nonetheless smouldering and might want to quiet down earlier than entry.

It is known that the Foreign and Commonwealth Department has contacted the households of the divers who died.