Exploring the statistics of fatal shark attacks in Red Sea resorts

Egypt Shark Attack: How Rare Are Fatal Maulings at Red Sea Resorts?

On Thursday, a Russian tourist died from a tiger shark attack in the waters near the city of Hurghada, one of Egypt’s Red Sea resorts. The incident prompted authorities to close off a 74-kilometer stretch of the coastline, which will remain off-limits until Sunday. While shark attacks are relatively rare in the Red Sea coastal regions, the latest attack marks the third fatal attack in the area since 2022, with previous incidents claiming the lives of an Austrian and a Romanian tourist.

Reviving Tourism

Although the Red Sea resorts, including Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, are popular with European tourists, the vital tourism sector has been hurt by years of political instability, the coronavirus pandemic, and the war in Ukraine. In recent years, Egypt has sought to revive the sector, highlighting the steep drop-offs of coral reefs just offshore that offer rich and colorful sea life, which divers find attractive.

Risk of Attack and Precautions

The relative risk of being attacked by a shark is extremely small, as the International Shark Attack File reports there is around a 1 in 4 million chance of dying in a shark-inflicted incident. Nevertheless, several precautions can be taken to minimize the risk further. The database recommends avoiding swimming in areas at night, after sharks have been spotted in the vicinity, or if you are bleeding from an open wound. Swimmers should stick together as sharks are more likely to pursue individuals, avoid excessive splashing, and remain close to shore. If a shark attacks, the International Shark Attack File recommends striking it on the tip of its nose or aiming for vulnerable spots such as its gills and eyes.

Philosophical Discussion

As humans, we must continue to learn how to live in harmony with nature and respect its boundaries. While attacks by sharks such as the one reported in Egypt are rare, it is important to understand that these are not random and unpredictable events. With increasing interactions between humans and the environment, there is a greater likelihood of such encounters. As such, it is our responsibility to prepare ourselves by understanding the risks involved and acting accordingly to minimize them to protect ourselves and other members of the marine ecosystem.

Editorial

The Egyptian authorities have been doing their best in managing the situation and exploring why such attacks are taking place. However, there is always room for improvement, and in this case, measures for early detection and warning could have been more effective in preventing the incident from occurring. Taking a proactive approach and regularly monitoring the behavior of marine animals may help prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.

Advice

While the risk of a shark attack at Red Sea resorts is extremely small, tourists planning to swim in Egyptian coastal waters should take the necessary precautions seriously, including swimming in designated areas only, avoiding swimming with open wounds, and not swimming in areas that are known for being frequented by sharks at certain times of the day. It is crucial to understand that while nature is a source of enjoyment, it deserves our utmost respect and compliance with its limits.