Russian Tourist Fatally Attacked by Shark in Egypt’s Hurghada

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Temporary Beach Closure: Swimming, Snorkelling, and Water Sports are Prohibited Along the Coastline until Sunday

Tragedy struck the idyllic shores of Egypt’s Red Sea resort city of Hurghada as a Russian man lost his life in a horrifying shark attack. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, has left both locals and tourists shocked and concerned for their safety.

The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, was mauled by a tiger shark while swimming in the waters near Hurghada. The unfortunate attack claimed his life, leaving authorities and beachgoers in a state of alarm. The Egyptian Environment Ministry promptly responded by closing off a significant 74-kilometer (46-mile) stretch of coastline. This preventive measure aims to ensure public safety, as swimming, snorkeling, and all water sports activities have been temporarily banned until Sunday.

Although the ministry confirmed the tragic incident on its official Facebook page, it refrained from providing detailed information about the attack. Meanwhile, a distressing video has surfaced online, purportedly capturing the horrific event. The footage shows the victim desperately struggling in the water as the shark repeatedly strikes, eventually dragging him beneath the surface.

In response to this rare and devastating occurrence, the ministry took swift action by capturing the shark responsible for the attack. The captured animal is currently being examined in a laboratory as experts work to ascertain the underlying factors that triggered the aggression.

A video showing a 🦈 #SharkAttack on a tourist in #Hurghada. 😨 pic.twitter.com/isvOi2cyaG

— Krzysztof S (@Krzyszt80291924) June 9, 2023

The Russian Consulate in Hurghada confirmed that the victim was a Russian citizen born in 1999, though his name has not been disclosed to the public. Russian Consul-General Viktor Voropayev revealed that the Egyptian authorities had verified the Russian national’s unfortunate demise. However, he emphasized that the victim was not a tourist but a permanent resident of Egypt, deepening the local community’s sense of sorrow.

Eyewitnesses at the scene recounted their futile attempts to rescue the victim. A diver, who arrived shortly after the lifeguard from a nearby hotel raised the alarm, expressed the collective frustration of those present. Despite their swift response, the rescuers were unable to reach the victim in time to save his life, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

As authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, both locals and visitors are urged to remain vigilant and follow any precautionary guidelines issued by the relevant authorities.