First Brit is named after devastating fire aboard diving boat on Egypt coast

15 June 2023 , 00:06

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Christina Quinn has been confirmed as one of three people who died in a dive boat fire in Egypt (Image: PA)

One of the three Brits who died after a diving boat burst into flames off the resort town of Marsa Alam has been named.

Christina Quinn, 58, was on board a medium-sized scuba diving boat called Hurricane when a fire broke out at around 6:30am UK time (8:30am Egypt time) on Sunday.

The vessel, which was carrying 29 people at the time, had 15 qualified diving enthusiasts who were on a week's stay on board when the tragic incident occurred.

Terrifying footage showed the boat erupting in flames, with thick clouds of acrid smoke billowing into the air, as the frantic passengers desperately cling to the side of the ship as they're lowered into a waiting lifeboat.

The dive boat called Hurricane carried 29 people at the time of the incident (@AsharqNews/Twitter)

A spokesman for Scuba Travel confirmed the deaths of the three Brits and said in a statement to Sky News: "It is with great regret that we, as tour operator, with heavy hearts, must accept that three of our much-valued dive guests, perished in the tragic incident.

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

According to a statement from the Red Sea State governor’s office and security sources, 12 Brits were rescued - along with 14 crew members - and were brought to safety at the nearby diving resort of Marsa Shagra, about 13 miles north of the town of Marsa Alam.

St Luke's Hospice Plymouth, where Ms Quinn was chief executive, confirmed she was one of the victims.

St Luke's Hospice Plymouth paid tribute to chief executive Christina Quinn (PA)

In a statement released by the hospice, a spokesperson for her family said: "It is with great sadness that we confirm the tragic death of Christina Quinn in Egypt.

"She was a sister, daughter, wife, aunty, friend, and rock to many.

"She will be missed beyond words. We would ask for privacy at this time."

Ms Quinn took up her role as chief executive at St Luke's in May this year following a "long and impactful" career with the NHS, most recently as director of NHS South West Leadership Academy.

Charles Hackett, chairman of St Luke's trustees, said: "Christina was incredibly passionate about St Luke's and its place at the heart of the community it serves, and we are devastated to lose her warmth, wisdom and leadership.

12 Brits were rescued - along with 14 Egyptian crew members - just off the Red Sea

"Before her recent appointment, Christina had served for six years in a voluntary capacity as chair of St Luke's board, working closely with the senior management team and her fellow trustees and earning their respect, trust and appreciation.

"With her vibrant and engaging personality and her down to earth, caring nature, as CEO she was quickly building strong and meaningful relationships both inside and outside the organisation.

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"We will miss Christina enormously and our hearts go out to her family and close friends at this tragic time."

Egyptian authorities had earlier said that following an initial examination of the vessel it was found that "an electrical short circuit in the boat's engine room sparked the blaze".

Josh Luckhurst