Egyptian authorities announced three British citizens missing after a scuba diving boat they were on caught fire off Red Sea coast, The Associated Press reports.

The Red Sea Governorate said in a statement that 12 crew members and 12 British tourists have been rescued after the scuba diving boat "Hurricane" caught fire in the southern resort of Marsa Alam.

A search party was organized to find the remaining three British tourists.

After an initial inspection of the ship, Egyptian authorities said the fire was caused by a short circuit in the engine room.

The UK Foreign Office said it cooperated with the Egyptian authorities and was “supporting the British nationals involved.”