Shark attack in Egypt's Red Sea resort leaves one dead and another injured

In December 2023, a tragic shark attack occurred off the coast of Marsa Alam, Egypt, resulting in the death of a tourist and serious injuries to another. The attack involved Gianluca Di Gioia, 48, from Rome, who was snorkeling along with his friend Peppino Fappani. They were swimming just 50 meters from the beach near the Red Sea Sataya Resort when the tiger shark struck, leading to catastrophic injuries for Di Gioia. His friend, Fappani, attempted to rescue him, but ended up sustaining injuries himself as he fought off the shark. The incident unfolded in deep waters outside the designated swimming area, where swimming is prohibited yet many tourists venture beyond the safety of coral reefs. Di Gioia was later pronounced dead due to his injuries, marking another fatal incident in Egypt's Red Sea region known for its vibrant aquatic life and tourism appeal. Follow-up investigations were initiated by local authorities, who closed the area to swimmers as a precautionary measure. Additionally, Di Gioia's family, including his wife and son, received support from both the tour operator and Italian embassy following the tragedy. Experts indicated that shark attacks, though rare, have become more frequent in the Red Sea due to factors like unregulated construction and overfishing, altering the natural behavior of sharks. This incident raises questions about swimming safety guidelines and the ecological impact of tourism in popular resorts.