Britons planning on visiting Egypt have been issued an updated travel warning if going diving whilst on a boat tour.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) alerted tourists of new guidance for those preparing to go on liveaboards.
The FCDO said: “There have been recent incidents involving British nationals on diving boats and tours in the Red Sea. Some of these have included fatalities.
“Safety standards of Red Sea resort diving operators and boats vary considerably. Some operators may not provide adequate safety and insurance standards.”
The updated travel advice comes after “recent incidents” involving British nationals
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The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has provided new guidance on liveaboard vessels.
The FCDO stated the MAIB: “Recommended that prospective customers are advised only to book liveaboard dive holidays through reputable vendors who can provide assurance about the safety standards applicable to the dive boat.
“On arrival on board, customers should request that the crew provide a thorough safety briefing before departure.”
Before boarding, people should observe the safety standards on board and exercise caution on the boat.
The FCDO advised to only make bookings through people’s tour representative or reputable operator if it is possible.
Before booking the tour, holidaymakers should check the weather and keep aware of any potential changes.
Tourists should make sure they do not dive or snorkel without a dive buddy or guide and not to go below the insurance policy’s depth limit, as going deeper will invalidate any cover.
The FCDO added: “Shark attacks are rare, but there have been attacks on tourists in the Red Sea region. Monitor any updates from local authorities or your tour operator.”
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‘On arrival on board, customers should request that the crew provide a thorough safety briefing before departure’
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Tourists can seek watersports safety advice from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
Chief Inspector of MAIB, Andrew Moll OBE, said: “The MAIB is aware of 16 accidents that have occurred over the last five years involving liveaboard dive vessels operating in the Red Sea. It is deeply regrettable that a number of these accidents have resulted in the loss of life and our thoughts are with all those affected.”
The Chief Inspector said the MAIB provides safety bulletins with important guidance to those intending on staying on liveaboard vessels.
He added: “It is important to remember that such vessels are unlikely to be built, maintained, equipped, and operated to the standard of similar vessels in the UK and we urge the exercise of extreme caution when choosing a boat.”