Shark Attack Claims Life of Italian Tourist in Egypt’s Red Sea

A tragic shark attack occurred at a popular holiday resort in Egypt’s Red Sea, resulting in the death of a 48-year-old Italian tourist and the injury of a 69-year-old compatriot. According to Egypt’s environment ministry, the incident took place in deep waters outside the designated swimming zone near the jetties in Marsa Alam, a coastal town famed for its coral reefs and beaches.

The deceased tourist, from Rome, and the injured man, hailing from Cremona, were both Italian nationals. The surviving tourist was immediately taken to a hospital in Port Ghalib, located about 30 miles north of Marsa Alam.

This deadly attack has raised alarms, as shark incidents have become frequent in the region. Experts attribute these encounters to environmental changes caused by unregulated development, overfishing, and irresponsible tourism practices. In response to the attack, authorities have temporarily closed the jetties for two days and reiterated the prohibition on swimming outside designated zones.

Marsa Alam remains a popular destination for divers due to its abundant marine life. However, this attack follows a similar deadly incident in June 2023, when a Russian tourist was killed by a tiger shark in Hurghada, another coastal city on the Red Sea. The victim, 23-year-old Vladimir Popov, was attacked and dragged underwater by the shark, which was later killed by local fishermen.

This recent attack adds to the growing concern surrounding shark encounters in the region, which have been a recurring issue despite safety warnings and regulations. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of adhering to designated swimming zones to avoid such incidents.