Shark Attack at Egyptian Red Sea Resort Kills One Foreigner, Injures Another
December 31, 2024 – Hurghada, Egypt
A tragic shark attack at a Red Sea resort in Egypt has left one foreign tourist dead and another injured, authorities confirmed today. The attack occurred off the coast of Hurghada, a popular beach resort town along the Red Sea coastline known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.
The victims, both foreign nationals, were attacked while swimming in the open water near the resort’s beach on Monday. The deceased, a man in his 40s, was reportedly pulled from the water shortly after the incident and was pronounced dead despite rescue efforts. The injured victim, a woman in her 30s, sustained serious injuries to her leg but is currently in stable condition after being transferred to a local hospital for treatment.
Local authorities have immediately launched an investigation into the attack, and the area has been temporarily closed off to tourists. The Egyptian Ministry of Environment has dispatched experts to the region to investigate the circumstances of the attack and to assess the safety of swimmers in the area.
“This is a deeply unfortunate incident,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment. “We are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of tourists and to better understand the causes of the shark’s behavior.”
While shark attacks are rare in the Red Sea, the region’s rich marine ecosystem, including sharks, has made it a popular destination for divers and snorkelers. The last recorded shark attack in Hurghada occurred over a decade ago.
The resort where the attack occurred has expressed condolences to the victims’ families and has assured guests that heightened safety measures will be implemented. The resort is working closely with local authorities to investigate the attack and ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.
Tourism in Egypt, particularly along the Red Sea coast, remains a key part of the nation’s economy, attracting millions of visitors each year to its beaches and diving sites. However, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks posed by wild animals in natural environments.
The identity of the victims has not yet been released, pending notification of their families.