Egypt’s Red Sea resorts and the rarity of fatal shark attacks.

Egypt‘s Red Sea Hit by Rare Fatal Shark Attack

A Russian tourist was attacked and killed by a tiger shark while swimming on Thursday, leading the Egyptian authorities to close off a 74-kilometer stretch of coastline until Sunday. This rare incident took place near the city of Hurghada, a popular Red Sea resort destination in Egypt. This is not the first time a shark attack has occurred along Egypt’s Red Sea coastline. In 2022, two similar incidents occurred in Hurghada, leading to the death of an Austrian and a Romanian tourist, respectively. As a result, authorities are now asking whether Egypt’s Red Sea coastline is safe for tourists.

Red Sea Resorts’ Importance to Egypt’s Economy

Egypt’s Red Sea resorts, including Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, are renowned destinations that have long been popular with European tourists. These resorts offer turquoise waters and coral reefs teeming with colourful marine life suitable for extensive diving expeditions and water adventures.

Given that tourism is one of Egypt’s primary economic engines, it is understandable why the country is seeking ways to revive this vital sector, which has been significantly impacted by years of political instability, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine.

Shark Attacks in the Red Sea Coastal Regions

When incidents like this occur, many people begin questioning the safety standards in a given location. It is essential to note that shark attacks on the Egyptian Red Sea coastline are rare. The relative risk of being attacked by a shark is exceptionally minimal, with approximately one in four million people dying in a shark-related incident. Additionally, unprovoked shark attacks are remarkably rare. Despite this, swimmers can and should take precautions.

Reducing the Risk of Shark Attacks

The International Shark Attack File advises taking steps to minimize the risk of shark attacks. These steps include:

• Staying out of the water at night
• Avoiding areas where sharks have been spotted
• Avoiding excess splashing
• Avoiding swimming alone
• Avoiding the water when bleeding from an open wound
• Sticking to swimming in groups
• Staying close to the shore and not venturing too far out

If a shark does attack, it is advised to hit it on the tip of its nose or aim for vulnerable spots such as its gills and eyes. Generally speaking, sharks are less likely to attack humans in areas with a high density of marine life, reefs, or rocks.

Conclusion

Incidents like this can be a matter of chance, as shark attacks on humans are statistically rare. When these incidents do occur, tourists may doubt the safety of the location in question. The current attack has led to coastlines being closed off temporarily and a shark capture to determine the cause of this rare event. In general, Egypt’s Red Sea resorts are still safe and will continue to attract tourists worldwide. Still, swimmers and other beachgoers must remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to reduce the risk of shark attacks. By doing so, they can continue to enjoy the beautiful and unique surroundings the Red Sea has to offer.