The Egyptian Ministry of Environment issued a statement on Sunday (December 29th) stating that a shark attack occurred at the Red Sea resort in the town of Marsa Alam, Egypt, resulting in the death of one tourist and injury to another.
According to reports from Reuters, the Egyptian Ministry of Environment did not disclose the nationality of those involved. However, the Italian news agency ANSA and other Italian media outlets reported that both victims were Italian men.
While sharks are present in the Red Sea, encounters between tourists and sharks are relatively rare. The Egyptian Ministry of Environment stated that the attack took place in deep waters outside the designated swimming area near the northern breakwater of Marsa Alam town. Authorities have prohibited swimming off the breakwater into the sea and have closed the breakwater for two days starting from Monday.
Marsa Alam is a coastal town in Egypt known for its coral reefs, marine life, and beaches, making it a popular Red Sea resort destination.
The last similar incident in the region occurred in June 2023, when a tiger shark killed a Russian national in another Red Sea resort town, Hurghada, Egypt. Hurghada is another seaside city in the northern Red Sea region near Marsa Alam.
Last month, a tourist boat capsized in the same area, resulting in four fatalities and seven people missing.