Three Britons dead after 'missing evacuation' as horrific fire ravaged boat

The fire broke out at around 8.30am local time (6.30am BST) on Sunday.

A spokesman for Scuba Travel said the guests "perished in the fire" aboard the "Hurricane" dive boat.

A statement from Scuba Travel added: "It is with great regret that we, as Tour Operator, with heavy hearts, must accept that three of our much-valued dive guests, who had not participated in the dive briefing, early on the morning of June 11, perished in the tragic incident.

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

The statement 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."

The three British passengers have not yet been named but have been described as qualified divers.

Footage of the blaze on the Red Sea was filmed by a nearby vessel.

Onlookers watched on as the boat's stern was engulfed in flames and black smoke spewed out.

Remaining passengers jumped onto a dinghy manned by a rescue crew for safety.

The fire reportedly broke out from an electric circuit in the Hurricane's engine room.

Twelve guests were taken ashore to Marsa Shagra.

The dozen surviving passengers were provided with any medical attention required and gave statements to the authorities.

An investigation into the cause of the fire will be conducted by police and local authorities.

The Foreign Office has reportedly contacted the families of the divers who died during the incident.