How dangerous are sharks in Marsa Alam?

Hundreds of thousands of tourists come to Marsa Alam every year, many of them diving or snorkeling in shark-infested areas. However, there have only been two fatal attacks. The first occurred when a French woman was killed by a shark while diving at a remote site off the coast of Marsa Alam in the summer of 2009. However, it seems possible that she may have disturbed the shark or given it food that would have changed the animal’s behavior. Attacks have been rare elsewhere off the Red Sea coast. In Egypt in 2004, a man was killed while diving in Sharm el-Sheikh. In November 2010, a 48-year-old woman was bitten by a white shark while diving in Coral Bay. Fifteen minutes later, a 70-year-old woman diving nearby had her right foot and forearm severed. The following morning, two men were attacked and seriously injured. Finally, in December 2010 A 70-year-old woman was killed by an oceanic white shark while diving in Sharm el-Sheikh. The most likely causes of this are cargo ships dumping dead sheep into the sea or divers feeding sharks. This changes the shark’s behavior, causing it to attack more often.

The statistical risk of becoming a victim remains extremely low.

Despite these extremely unusual incidents, so far we only know of six deaths off the Egyptian coast as a result of shark attacks during the last twelve years. Egypt is considered one of the countries with the least shark incidents, as the United States and Australia recorded the highest rate of shark attacks, followed by South Africa and Brazil. Egypt is considered the least shark attacks in the world, and shark attacks worldwide have the lowest number of deaths in the world, as most deaths are caused by heart disease, stroke, influenza, collapse, drowning, exposure to heat or lightning, train and car accidents, or fireworks, and the least frequent of them is shark attacks worldwide.

How can I reduce the risk of Red Sea shark attack?

Try to avoid diving at dawn or dusk when sharks are most active.

Try to stay in a group as sharks are more likely to attack one person only.

Avoid murky sea waters with poor visibility as the shark is more likely to mistake you for its usual prey. If you see a shark, stay calm and do not make sudden movements.

 If you are very frightened, swim slowly and calmly towards the dive boat or shore.

What are the most common types of sharks in the Red Sea?

Well, the word common is an exaggeration as many of the sharks in the Red Sea are in steep decline and are at risk of extinction soon but if you are lucky enough to see a shark the relatively more numerous species in the Red Sea include oceanic whitetip sharks, silky sharks, hammerhead sharks, silver sharks, tiger sharks, whale sharks, grey reef sharks, zebra sharks and whitetip reef sharks and these shark species are more widespread in the Red Sea and are considered at risk of extinction soon.

What is the speed of a shark swimming?

The Mako shark is considered the fastest and can reach speeds of 72 kilometers per hour.

What are the most dangerous species?

Only 10 species of fish pose a great danger, and perhaps the most dangerous species in the Red Sea are the mako fish, the tiger fish, and the oceanic white shark.

How long do they live?

Most live between 20 and 30 years, although the giant whale sharks that can be found in Marsa Alam can live 100 years.

How smart are Marsa Alam sharks?

These creatures have brains similar to mammals and birds, and they often show signs of social behavior and intense curiosity. Some species appear to work as a team when hunting.

There is also the Dolphin House Reef in Marsa Alam and you can visit the Dolphin House Reef Trip page in Marsa Alam.

For more information about Elphinstone Reef trip in Marsa Alam, WhatsApp +201285800089 or email contact@casciataxi.com.