The boat, called Hurricane, was off the coast of Marsa Alam when it caught alight, according to reports in the national press. 

Twenty-six other passengers, including 12 Brits, were rescued from the boat and are said to be "well". According to the Independent, tour operator Scuba Travel, which chartered the boat, confirmed on Monday (12 June) the three missing Brits had died. 

Initial reports claim the fire, which happened at around 6.30am local time, was down to an electrical fault in the engine room.

Speaking to the BBC, a spokesperson for Tornado Marine Flight, which operates the vessel, said the fire happened while crew were conducting a diving briefing at Elphinstone Reef.

Scuba Travel reportedly said the group had been on a seven-day tour and the company was working with the local authorities and specialist advisers.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said it was supporting British nationals involved. "We are in contact with local authorities following an incident onboard a dive boat near Marsa Alam, and are supporting British nationals involved."