A shark attack in the northern Marsa Alam area of Egypt’s Red Sea coastline has left one tourist dead and another injured, according to a statement from the country’s environment ministry on Sunday.
The victims, whose nationalities remain undisclosed, were attacked in deep waters outside the designated swimming zone. Both were taken to a hospital in Port Ghalib, located about 50 kilometres (30 miles) north of Marsa Alam.
In response to the incident, authorities have closed the affected area to swimmers for two days to ensure public safety.
The Red Sea is a renowned tourist destination, celebrated for its vibrant marine life and popularity among divers. However, it has also become the site of frequent shark attacks. Experts attribute these incidents to unregulated coastal development, overfishing, and irresponsible tourism, which have disrupted the marine ecosystem and altered shark behaviour.
Deadly shark encounters have become an annual concern in the region. In June 2023, a Russian tourist was fatally attacked by a shark near Hurghada, another popular Red Sea resort.
The tourism industry, a vital source of employment and foreign currency for Egypt, continues to be affected by such incidents. This latest attack follows last month’s tragedy, where a large wave capsized a dive boat off Marsa Alam, killing at least four people.
