Egypt reopens Marsa Alam beaches lifting swimming ban after shark attack

Ahram Online , Thursday 2 Jan 2025

Egyptian authorities announced Thursday the reopening of beaches and resuming swimming and marine activities at Marsa Alam's Red Sea tourist resorts, following a three-day ban imposed after a shark attack on foreign tourists.

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Marsa Alam's Qulaan island. Photo: Ahram Online

 

The shark attack, which occurred on Sunday in the Marsa Alam area, tragically led to the death of one tourist and left another injured, according to the Ministry of Environment.

According to local media reports, a committee investigating the incident has completed its environmental and marine scientific report.

Based on marine surveys and observations, the report – conducted by a scientific team from the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF) – includes recommendations for preventing future shark attacks.

Moreover, the committee outlined the necessary actions and precautions to safeguard beachgoers in the Marsa Alam tourist area.

Following the incident, the Red Sea Governorate mandated that hotel management employ enough well-trained lifeguards with the necessary certifications.

The latest shark attack occurred in September 2023 in Dahab, South Sinai, where an Egyptian woman was injured.

Earlier, in June 2023, a tiger shark attack in Hurghada resulted in the death of a 24-year-old Russian national. 

 

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