Shark Attack Fatality in Egypt's Red Sea Resorts: Coastal Closure and Precautions
Shark Attack Fatality in Egypt's Red Sea Resorts
Unexpected Things Happened In Egypt's
According to Egyptian and Russian authorities, a Russian man died in Egypt's Red Sea resorts on Thursday after being attacked by a shark.
The Egyptian Environment Ministry reported that the man was fatally mauled by a tiger shark near Hurghada city. As a precautionary measure, authorities closed off a 74-kilometer stretch of the coastline, declaring it off-limits until Sunday.
Subsequently, the ministry stated that the shark responsible for the attack had been captured and was being examined in a laboratory to understand the reasons behind this rare incident.
Although the Russian Consulate in Hurghada confirmed the nationality of the victim, they did not disclose his name.
Is it true that a massive seaweed mass heading towards Florida's beaches contains flesh-eating bacteria? Be aware: You may be swimming in closer proximity to sharks than you realize. Are shark attacks common in Egypt?
An online video circulating claims to show the attack, depicting a man struggling in the water while being repeatedly attacked by a circling shark before being dragged underwater. Shark attacks are infrequent in Egypt's Red Sea coastal regions. However, in 2022, two fatal attacks occurred in Hurghada within days of each other, resulting in the deaths of an Austrian and a Romanian tourist. Egypt's Red Sea resorts, including Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, are renowned beach destinations and attract European tourists due to their popularity.
Divers are drawn to the nearby coral reefs that offer vibrant marine life and steep drop-offs.
In recent years, Egypt has made efforts to revitalize its crucial tourism sector, which has been impacted by political instability, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the conflict in Ukraine. What measures can you take to reduce the risk of an attack?
Tiger sharks are large species found in tropical and temperate waters and are among the most commonly involved in unprovoked attacks on humans, according to the International Shark Attack File.
However, the database states that the relative risk of being attacked is extremely low. The likelihood of dying in a shark-related incident is approximately 1 in 4 million, and you may find yourself swimming alongside these marine creatures more frequently than you think.
Nonetheless, there are precautions you can take to further minimize the risk. Recommendations for avoiding an attack include avoiding swimming at night, especially if sharks have been sighted in the area or if you have an open wound that is bleeding.
Swimmers are also advised to stay in groups, as sharks are more inclined to target individuals, avoid excessive splashing, and remain close to the shore.
In the event of a shark attack, the International Shark Attack File suggests striking the shark's nose or targeting vulnerable areas like its gills and eyes as the best strategy.
