Egypt dive boat fire: British victim named as Christina Quinn

One of the three British passengers who died after a dive boat caught fire in Egypt has been named.

Christina Quinn, 58, was chief executive of St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth, and had a long career in the NHS.

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.”

Charles Hackett, chair 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.”

He said Ms Quinn had previously worked voluntarily for six years as chair of St Luke’s board, adding: “We will miss Christina enormously.”

The three passengers were among 15 qualified diving enthusiasts on a week’s stay on board the Hurricane vessel when the fire broke out around 8.30am local time (6.30am UK time) on Sunday.

The vessel, which had left Port Ghalib on Tuesday last week, was located off the Elphinstone Reef near the southeastern Egyptian town of Marsa Alam, when the blaze started.

Footage on social media appeared to show the boat almost entirely engulfed in flames and smoke.

The Tornado Marine Fleet, which owns the Hurricane, said the boat caught fire “while doing the diving briefing”.

Read more:
Three British passengers confirmed dead in fire
Boat burst into flames

A nearby vessel was used to evacuate 12 tourists, and the 14 crew members also had to abandon ship, according to Scuba Travel, a British holiday company.

Authorities said initial reports suggested the blaze was due to an electrical short circuit in the boat’s engine room.

A full investigation into the cause is to be carried out by police and local authorities.