Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafi on Sunday has decided to take precautionary measures to reduce risks and ensure the safety of citizens and visitors in Marsa Alam following a shark attack in the northern area.
The governor’s decisions stipulated, in Article I, the suspension of swimming and snorkeling in some marine areas affected by the ban, specifically those facing the ends of piers, as well as marinas and beaches, after a depth of one meter from Port Ghalib in the north, to Marina Marsa Alam in the south, starting from December 29 for three days.
Article II of the decision stipulated: “A follow-up committee shall be formed from environmental researchers in the Red Sea nature reserves, in cooperation with Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA), to carry out continuous monitoring and follow-up work, and to ensure that boats do not throw any waste into the sea water, and to deliver the launch waste to the marinas, after returning, and to prepare daily reports and provide them to us.”
Article II stated: “All hotels and villages along the coast of the Red Sea Governorate shall appoint a sufficient number of qualified lifeguards who have obtained the necessary courses and certificates for this.”
Article IV stipulates that “No marine activities shall be practiced in the closed area, whether fishing, or diving by those unqualified, or who do not hold a diving license – diving training – snorkeling, and other water sports activities, for a period of three days from the date of issuance of this decision. All paid boats shall be committed to carrying out sea trips activity in safe areas.”
Article V clarified that coastal diving activities are permitted in the prohibited area from the date of issuing the decisions and are limited to diving for those qualified and holding diving licenses only,while swimming and snorkeling are permitted inside closed lagoons that are not connected to the open sea.
Article VI prohibits commercial or recreational fishing in the restricted area, and prohibits the presence of fishing tools or any fishing activities, whether fishing on pleasure boats, or paid boats.
The concerned authorities, each within their jurisdiction, shall implement this decision and notify all competent authorities of it.
Shark attack leaves one dead, another wounded
Authorities in the Red Sea are investigating a shark attack incident in deep waters outside the swimming area in the northern Marsa Alam area.
Two foreign tourists were attacked by a shark in northern Marsa Alam area on Sunday, which resulted in the injury of one and the death of the other.
The Ministry of Environment decided to take urgent measures, in cooperation with the Red Sea Governorate, to close the area and prevent swimming from the piers area for two days starting from Monday.
A follow-up investigation will be conducted to ensure the stability of the situation at the accident site and the targeted survey areas.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
