The Scubaverse Team are devastated to hear of the fire that occurred yesterday, June 11th, on board dive liveaboard MV Hurricane at Elphinstone Reef in the Red Sea. Sadly, the tragic loss of three lives has been confirmed this morning. Our thoughts are with all concerned.

Here is the Official Statement from the Tour Operator, Scuba Travel, dated 12th June:

“Following the fire which broke out on dive ship ‘Hurricane’ at 0630 hrs, BST, on June 11, while off the Elphinstone Reef, on Egypt’s Red Sea , it is understood that the Foreign and Commonwealth Dept have now contacted the families of the three missing divers, all British nationals. The three were among 15 qualified diving enthusiasts who were enjoying a week’s stay on board the dive boat ‘Hurricane’, operated by Tornado Marine, an operation that Scuba Travel had worked with since 2001 and have an excellent safety record with us.

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.

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.

All the 12 guests who were taken off the dive ship went ashore to Marsa Shagra where they were provided with any medical attention required and gave statements to the local police. As they are without any personal possessions, they will move to a hotel in Hurghada where a representative of Scuba Travel will assist in acquiring clothes and personal effects and where possible,  mobile phones.

Scuba Travel wish to thank the Foreign and Commonwealth Department and Consular Office in Cairo for doing all possible to expedite emergency travel documents for the guests wishing to travel back to the UK, something which they hope to achieve early in the coming week.

The local authorities and police are to conduct a full investigation into the cause of the fire, which we and all parties involved are fully supporting.

The dive boat ‘Hurricane’ has been towed to a Port, yet to be nominated, as the vessel is still smouldering with cooling required before entry.”

www.scubatravel.co.uk