CAIRO: Three British tourists are reported missing after a motor yacht experienced a devastating fire in Egypt’s Red Sea, according to authorities. The incident occurred while the boat was on a six-day cruise and approximately 25 kilometers (15 miles) north of the coastal town of Marsa Alam.
The Red Sea governorate issued a statement confirming that 15 English passengers, 10 crew members, and two tour guides had been rescued. However, efforts to locate the missing individuals are still underway. Disturbing videos circulating on media platforms depict the motor yacht named “Hurricane” engulfed in flames, indicating the severity of the incident.
Preliminary reports from officials suggest that the fire originated from an electrical fault in the engine room. The exact cause and circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation.
Red Sea a Renowned Tourist Destination in Egypt
The Red Sea is a renowned tourist destination in Egypt, attracting visitors from around the world. The country, grappling with a serious economic crisis, heavily relies on tourism, which employs approximately two million people and contributes over 10 percent to its GDP.
This unfortunate incident comes just days after a Russian tourist was tragically killed by a shark in the waters off the Egyptian Red Sea city of Hurghada.
Authorities and rescue teams are working diligently to locate the missing British tourists and provide support to those affected by the incident. The investigation will delve into the causes of the fire and evaluate safety measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.
