A tragic shark attack occurred on December 29, 2024, off the coast of Marsa Alam, resulting in the death of an Italian tourist and injuries to another. The incident has raised serious concerns regarding safety measures in popular diving areas.
The deceased, identified as Gianluca Di Gioia, a 48-year-old man from Rome, was snorkeling with a companion when the attack took place in deep waters outside designated swimming zones. Di Gioia had been celebrating the Christmas holiday with his family and had recently marked his birthday on December 21. His companion, a 69-year-old man named Peppino Fappani from Cremona, sustained minor injuries and was transported to a hospital in Port Ghalib for treatment.
In response to this tragic event, Egypt's Ministry of Environment has announced the immediate closure of the affected area to swimmers and initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack. Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad emphasized the need for heightened monitoring and preparedness along the Red Sea coastline, which is renowned for its vibrant marine life but has seen an increase in shark attacks in recent years.
Local authorities have confirmed that this incident is part of a troubling trend; previous shark attacks in the region have resulted in fatalities, including incidents involving tourists from Austria and Russia. While shark encounters are relatively rare, this recent attack has prompted renewed scrutiny of safety protocols for tourists engaging in water activities.