Environment Ministry full report on Marsa Alam shark attack

CAIRO - 16 August 2017: The Egyptian Ministry of Environment publishes a detailed report on investigations’ results in Marsa Alam shark attack.

The Ministry of Environment published an elaborate report on the follow-up to circumstances of the injury of a tourist by a shark in Marsa Alam last month. The report includes the steps taken to find out the truth behind the accident based on scientific methods.

Immediately after the injured tourist was reported, Dr. Khaled Fahmy; the Egyptian Minister formed a group of experts from universities and Nature Protection Department and Red Sea Reserves, to study and identify all the circumstances of the shark attack of the tourist following the incident.

The tasks of the scientific group were to collect data, video and pictures, from divers and eyewitnesses working in the area, who happened to be on the site at the time of the incident. The said group is also required to analyze data, videos and pictures taken before and after the accident, and spot any sport activity along the coast through diving, snorkeling and the use of underwater imaging equipment.


On Comparing pictures and videos, the ministry confirmed that the attack took place by a white shark, of length ranging 1.8 - 2 meters, located and moving at a distance of no more than 10 kilometers between the coast of Marsa Shoni and Marsa Ghaleb area since 25 June.

Similar views and images taken for the white shark after the accident showed it to be a single recurring fish in the area. This was confirmed after comparing the white shark distinctive marks on the dorsal fin. During the monitoring period, the fish showed abnormal behavior, manifest in its repeated approach in a way that constituted a danger to the athletes and marine activities in the region.

Currently, the group of specialists is in the process of dissecting and studying the fish, and once the results are announced they will be circulated for future use to deal with such cases. Marsa Alam Persecution Office is briefed on updated developments of the situation.