A rare shark attack at a Red Sea tourist resort has left one tourist dead and another seriously injured.
The victims, believed to be Italians, were attacked while swimming off the coast of Egypt’s Marsa Alam resort.
According to Egypt’s environment ministry, the two men were swimming outside a designated swimming zone near jetties in the northern part of the town when the attack occurred.
Sharks are known to inhabit the Red Sea, but encounters with humans are exceptionally rare. The region is famous for its clear waters, coastal reefs, and abundant marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkelers and scuba divers.
Italy’s foreign ministry identified the deceased victim, a 48-year-old man, and the injured 69-year-old man, both from Rome, citing information from AFP.
In response to the attack, Egyptian officials announced the closure of the swimming zone near the jetties for two days. They also reminded visitors that swimming outside designated areas is generally prohibited. This incident follows a series of other deadly events in the region.
In November, four people lost their lives when a boat carrying tourists capsized off Marsa Alam due to a wave. Last year, a Russian tourist was killed by a tiger shark off Hurghada, another Red Sea resort, and the year before, an Austrian woman died after a shark attacked her while snorkelling near Sahl Hasheesh, tearing off her arm and leg.
