British FM expresses concern over loss of MS804

British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond on Thursday expressed his deep concern over the loss of EgyptAir flight MS804.

"Deeply concerned by missing EgyptAir. Can confirm British passport holder was on board and FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) is supporting the missing passenger's family," he said on his Twitter account.

In a separate statement, he said: "My thoughts are with the family and friends of all those missing following the disappearance of EgyptAir's flight MS804."

He also confirmed that one British passport holder boarded the flight in Paris and FCO staff are providing support and assistance to the family.

"We are in close contact with Egyptian and French authorities and have offered the Egyptian authorities our support in their search and rescue efforts," he added.

The plane had 66 people on board, including 56 passengers, seven crew members and three security personnel, according to the Egyptian airline.

The plane took off at 11:09 p.m. local time (2109 GMT, May 18) and was flying at an altitude of 37,000 feet (11,280 meters) when losing contact with the radar at 2:45 a.m. Cairo time (0045 GMT, May 19), an official source in the airline said.

According to EgyptAir, passengers include 30 Egyptians, 15 French nationals, two Iraqis, one British, one Belgian, one Portuguese, one Algerian, one Chadian, one Saudi, one Kuwaiti, one Sudanese and one Canadian. Endit