More Than 25 People Also Injured During Incident On Charter Dive Cruise

Specialist lawyers have expressed their concern after three British people were killed and 26 others injured in a fire on board a dive yacht in the Red Sea.

The tourists were on a dive boat called Hurricane, operated by Tornado Marine Fleet, when the blaze broke out off the coast of Marsa Alam, Egypt, on 11 June.

The yacht was chartered for a seven-day tour by Scuba Travel. The three Britons killed had chosen not to dive that day. A further 12 British tourists who survived were reported to be in an on-board briefing when the fire began.

The 12 tourists, along with 12 crew members and two guides were able to escape the blaze. Those rescued were said to be well, reports WHO.

Specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell support people affected by major incidents  across the world, including the Zeebrugge ferry disaster in Belgium; the Marchioness riverboat disaster on the River Thames, the Bahrain dhow disaster, and more recently, those caught up in the sinking of the Costa Concordia off the coast of Italy.

Expert Opinion

“Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives as a result of this incident.

“Understandably those affected will have a number of questions about what happened. It’s now vital that a full and transparent investigation takes place to establish exactly what happened. If during the course of those investigations are issued are identified, lessons need to be learned to protect others in the future.

“It’s also imperative that those affected now receive the specialist care and support they may require at this distressing time.” Jatinder Paul, International Serious Injury Lawyer

An initial examination of the vessel has taken place. An electrical short circuit in the boat’s engine room sparked the fire, Egyptian authorities have said.

The Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office said it was liaising with Egyptian authorities and was supporting British nationals involved.