A 74-kilometer section of the Red Sea coastline will remain closed until Sunday.
A tragic incident occurred on Thursday when a Russian man lost his life following a shark attack near an Egyptian Red Sea resort, as confirmed by both Egyptian and Russian authorities.
According to Egypt’s Environment Ministry, the man was fatally injured by a tiger shark in the waters close to Hurghada. In response, officials have shut down a 74-kilometer stretch of the coastline, which will stay closed until Sunday.
The ministry later reported that the shark responsible for the attack had been captured and was being examined in a laboratory to investigate the cause of this uncommon event.
The Russian Consulate in Hurghada confirmed the victim’s nationality but withheld his identity.
How Common Are Shark Attacks in Egypt?
A video circulating online, allegedly depicting the attack, shows a man struggling in the water as a shark repeatedly circles and strikes before dragging him under.
While shark attacks in the Red Sea coastal areas are rare, they have occurred. In 2022, two separate fatal shark attacks happened in Hurghada just days apart, claiming the lives of an Austrian and a Romanian tourist.
Egypt’s Red Sea resorts, including Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, are among the country’s top beach destinations, highly favored by European tourists.
These areas are particularly popular among divers who are drawn to the dramatic coral reef drop-offs just offshore, teeming with vibrant marine life.
In recent years, Egypt has been working to rejuvenate its crucial tourism industry, which has been impacted by political unrest, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
How to Reduce the Risk of a Shark Attack
Tiger sharks, known to inhabit both tropical and temperate waters, are one of the species most frequently linked to unprovoked attacks on humans, according to the International Shark Attack File.
Despite this, the global database of shark attacks indicates that the likelihood of being attacked is extremely low. The odds of dying from a shark-related incident are approximately 1 in 4 million, and many people may swim near these marine predators more often than they realize.
However, there are steps you can take to further minimize the risk. Experts advise avoiding swimming at night, staying out of the water if sharks have been spotted in the area, and refraining from entering the water if you have an open wound that is bleeding.
Swimmers are also encouraged to stay in groups, as sharks are more likely to target individuals, avoid excessive splashing, and remain close to shore.
In the rare event of a shark attack, the International Shark Attack File suggests the best course of action is to strike the shark on the nose or aim for its gills and eyes, which are its most sensitive areas.