Christina Quinn’s family said she will be ‘missed beyond words’ (Picture : PA/Reuters)
One of the three Brits killed when a diving boat burst into flames in the Red Sea off Egypt has been named as hospice boss Christina Quinn.
Her death was confirmed by St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth, where Ms Quinn, 58, had recently taken on the role of chief executive after spending much of her working life in the NHS.
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.
‘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.
‘We will miss Christina enormously and our hearts go out to her family and close friends at this tragic time.’
The three passengers were among 15 qualified diving enthusiasts who were on a week’s stay on board the Hurricane when the fire broke out (Picture: Reuters)
rescue boat sails beside as plumes of smoke billow out (Picture: Reuters)
A spokesman for Scuba Travel confirmed the deaths of the three Britons 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.
‘Our sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to their families and friends at this very sad time.’
The three passengers were among 15 qualified diving enthusiasts who were on a week’s stay on board the Hurricane when the fire broke out at around 8.30am local time (6.30am UK time).
The statement added: ‘At the time the fire broke out, 12 divers were participating in a briefing on board, while those missing had apparently decided not to dive that morning.’
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A nearby craft was used to evacuate 12 divers, and the 14 crew members also had to abandon ship after trying to reach the missing guests, according to Scuba Travel.
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’.
Egypt’s Red Sea resorts harbour some of the country’s most renowned beach destinations and are popular with European holidaymakers.
It has cemented its reputation as a dive destination with easy access to coral reefs from shores, and dive sites offering diverse marine life.
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Christina Quinn, 58, was ‘a rock to many’ who will be ‘missed beyond words’.