How fatal boating incidents, shark attacks cast shadow on Egypt’s tourism

How fatal boating incidents, shark attacks cast shadow on Egypt’s tourism
Recent series of boating incidents and shark attacks on tourists have raised concerns, with several fatalities reported over the years. (REUTERS)
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Updated 28 March 2025
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How fatal boating incidents, shark attacks cast shadow on Egypt’s tourism

How fatal boating incidents, shark attacks cast shadow on Egypt’s tourism
  • Recent series of boating incidents and shark attacks on tourists have raised concerns, with several fatalities reported over the years

DUBAI: The Red Sea, renowned for its coral reefs and marine life, is a major hub for Egypt’s tourism industry, a pillar of the economy.
However, a recent series of boating incidents and shark attacks on tourists have raised concerns, with several fatalities reported over the years.
Attacks by militant groups on foreigners damaged tourism in Egypt in the past, with fewer arriving to see other attractions such as the Great Pyramids of Giza or take a Nile cruise in Luxor and Aswan.
BOATING INCIDENTS
“Sindbad” tourist submarine sinks
On March 27, 2025, a tourist submarine named “Sindbad” sank near the Red Sea resort of Hurghada, killing six Russian tourists. The vessel was carrying 50 people, including 45 tourists from Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden, along with five Egyptian crew members.
Authorities rescued 39 people and launched an investigation into the cause of the incident.
“Sea Story” yacht capsizes
On November 25, 2024, a tourist boat named “Sea Story” capsized off the Red Sea coast near Marsa Alam during a multi-day diving trip. Four people drowned. The vessel was carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members when it was struck by high waves, and it sank within minutes. Thirty-three survivors were rescued with minor injuries and seven individuals remained missing as rescue operations continued.
“Hurricane” boat fire
On June 11, 2023, a fire consumed a motorboat named “Hurricane” near the diving resort of Marsa Shagra, north of Marsa Alam.
The vessel was carrying scuba divers on holiday, with 15 British tourists and 14 Egyptian crew and guides on board. Twelve tourists and all crew members were rescued, but three British tourists who were initially reported missing were later announced to have died.
Sinking of tourist boat
On August 20, 2015, 26 French tourists and 10 Egyptians were rescued after a boat transporting them hit coral reefs and sank off the Red Sea coast.
SHARK ATTACKS
Shark kills Italian tourist in waters off Marsa Alam resort
On December 29, 2024, an Italian tourist was killed and another injured in a shark attack at Marsa Alam resort. The incident occurred in deep water outside the designated swimming zone near the jetties.
Tiger shark kills Russian citizen near Hurghada beach
On June 9, 2023, a Russian citizen was fatally injured by a tiger shark near a beach at the Red Sea resort of Hurghada.
Authorities then issued a ban on swimming, snorkelling and other water activities on several nearby beaches.
Shark attacks kill two women south of Hurghada
On July 3, 2022, two women were killed in separate shark attacks south of Hurghada. The victims, one Austrian and one Romanian, were attacked within 600 meters (2,000 feet) of each other near Sahl Hasheesh.
Shark kills German woman swimming in Sharm el-Sheikh On December 5, 2010, a 70-year-old German tourist was killed by a shark while swimming near the shore at the major Sinai Peninsula resort Sharm el-Sheikh.
MILITANT ATTACKS ON TOURISTS
Russian Metrojet flight 9268 crash On October 31, 2015, a Russian airliner crashed in the Sinai Peninsula shortly after takeoff from Sharm el-Sheikh, killing all 224 people on board.
Investigations revealed the aircraft broke up mid-air after a loud noise was heard in the cockpit.
It was later determined that a bomb likely caused the explosion. Islamic State’s official magazine later claimed responsibility, publishing a photo of a Schweppes can, alleging it was used to make the bomb.
Egypt’s initial report stated the crash was not terrorism-related. However, nearly a year later, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi acknowledged that terrorists downed the plane to harm tourism and strain Cairo’s relations with Russia.
Taba bus bombing
On February 16, 2014, a suicide bomber targeted a tourist bus in Taba, near the Israeli border, resulting in the deaths of three South Korean tourists and the Egyptian bus driver.
The attack was claimed by the Sinai-based jihadist group Ansar Bayt Al-Maqdis, which stated it was part of their economic war against the Egyptian regime.
Luxor massacre
On November 17, 1997, six gunmen disguised as security forces killed 58 foreign tourists and four Egyptians at the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor.
The assailants were armed with automatic firearms and knives. The Islamist militant group Al-Jama’a Al-Islamiyya claimed responsibility, stating it was an attempt to undermine the government and damage the tourism industry.
Successive governments in Egypt have waged successful crackdowns on Islamist militant groups, launching campaigns that helped the tourism industry recover.


Morocco to reopen embassy in Syria

Updated 6 sec ago
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Morocco to reopen embassy in Syria

Morocco to reopen embassy in Syria
Morocco backs Syria’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty

RABAT: King Mohammed VI said on Saturday Morocco would reopen its embassy in Damascus, which has been closed since 2012.
Morocco backs Syria’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty, he told an Arab League summit in a speech read on his behalf.

Israel plans to force Gazans into 3 security zones, leaked map shows

Israel plans to force Gazans into 3 security zones, leaked map shows
Updated 17 May 2025
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Israel plans to force Gazans into 3 security zones, leaked map shows

Israel plans to force Gazans into 3 security zones, leaked map shows
  • Enclave to be divided by IDF areas if ceasefire talks with Hamas fail
  • Palestinian civilians will be forbidden from traveling freely across Gaza

LONDON: Israel is planning to force Palestinians in Gaza into three security zones separated by four military-occupied areas if a ceasefire with Hamas is not reached in the coming days.

A map of the plan was leaked by diplomats and seen by the Sunday Times. It shows four Israeli military zones in the north, center and south of the Gaza Strip, with three civilian areas in between.

It is understood that civilians will be forbidden from traveling between each area without permission, while goods will undergo security screening.

Humanitarian distribution companies said the restrictions would separate Palestinians from their land and homes, and prevent them from moving throughout the enclave.

An Israeli military spokesman declined to confirm or deny the plan — entitled “Stage three: the complete takeover of Gaza” — when asked by the Sunday Times.

According to the plan, a military corridor will be constructed north of Khan Younis, modeled on the existing Netzarim Corridor south of Gaza City.

Sources said Israeli bulldozers will begin to empty land from the area ahead of construction. The corridor will separate the civilian sections north of Rafah and south of the Netzarim Corridor.

The Israeli military will also widen the buffer zone between Israel and Gaza, with the leaked map showing a huge perimeter around the entire enclave.

Creating the new army zones in the center of Gaza, as well as the expanded buffer zone, will take at least three weeks. It is part of the first stage of Israel’s long-term strategy to conquer Gaza.

The leaked map also shows about a dozen sites within the new civilian areas, believed to be the locations of new humanitarian distribution centers.

The launch of a new purported humanitarian model is part of a widely condemned plan by Israel to bypass the UN and charities, and use private companies to deliver aid.

Since March, Israel has imposed a total blockade on the entry of humanitarian goods into Gaza.


Syrian foreign minister hails sanctions relief, pushes for inclusive recovery at Arab Summit

Syrian foreign minister hails sanctions relief, pushes for inclusive recovery at Arab Summit
Updated 17 May 2025
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Syrian foreign minister hails sanctions relief, pushes for inclusive recovery at Arab Summit

Syrian foreign minister hails sanctions relief, pushes for inclusive recovery at Arab Summit
  • Asaad Al-Shaibani says Syria entering a new phase ‘that embraces diversity, guarantees representation, preserves dignity’
  • ‘Syria is for all Syrians, with no place for marginalization or exclusion,’ FM tells Baghdad forum

BAGHDAD: Syria has begun taking serious steps toward national recovery and reconciliation, based on a commitment to inclusivity and sovereignty, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani said on Saturday during his address at the 34th Arab Summit in Baghdad.

Delivering his country’s remarks at the high-level gathering, Al-Shaibani said Syria was entering a new phase of “inclusive national dialogue that embraces diversity, guarantees representation, and preserves dignity.”

He added that the move marked what he described as an unprecedented effort to rebuild the nation on foundations that reject marginalization and exclusion.

“Syria is for all Syrians, with no place for marginalization or exclusion,” he declared, underlining the country’s refusal to accept “guardianship” or to serve as a battleground for external conflicts.

Al-Shaibani also welcomed the recent decision by US President Donald Trump to lift sanctions imposed on Syria, a move he hailed as a “positive and important step” on the path to national reconstruction.

He credited “sincere Arab diplomatic efforts” for helping to bring about the breakthrough.

The minister extended special thanks to Saudi Arabia and Turkiye for their role as effective mediators at a “pivotal historical moment,” and expressed deep gratitude to Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, and member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council for their support during what he called a “delicate stage” for Syria.

“Lifting the sanctions is not the end, but rather the beginning of a path that we hope will be paved with real cooperation and the integration of Arab efforts,” he said.

He also stressed the need to work together to bolster regional development, safeguard Arab national security, and enhance overall stability.

Al-Shaibani revealed that Syria was finalizing preparations for a national parliament that would represent the full spectrum of Syrian society, alongside efforts to draft a permanent constitution aimed at protecting rights, upholding sovereignty, and establishing the rule of law.

“Any project aimed at weakening or dividing the Syrian state under any pretext is categorically rejected by the Syrian state and people in all their components,” he said.


UN chief at Baghdad summit repeats rejection of Israeli-US aid plan for Gaza

UN chief at Baghdad summit repeats rejection of Israeli-US aid plan for Gaza
Updated 17 May 2025
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UN chief at Baghdad summit repeats rejection of Israeli-US aid plan for Gaza

UN chief at Baghdad summit repeats rejection of Israeli-US aid plan for Gaza
  • Gaza dominates agenda at Arab League meet as Antonio Guterres hails major forum next month as ‘important opportunity’
  • UN secretary-general also draws attention to events in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Libya

NEW YORK CITY: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has repeated his rejection of a joint Israeli-US plan to bypass his organization in delivering aid to Gaza.

The UN chief’s comments came two days after satellite imagery revealed construction of new aid distribution centers in the enclave.

Guterres was speaking on Saturday at the annual Arab League summit in Baghdad, where the situation in Gaza dominated the agenda.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani said in his opening speech at the summit: “This genocide (in Gaza) has reached a level of ugliness unparalleled in all conflicts in history.”

As well as Gaza, the UN chief also drew attention to events in the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, and Libya.

He opened his speech by praising Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit and said that the UN hopes to “further strengthen” its partnership with the league.

“I am alarmed by reported plans by Israel to expand ground operations and more,” he added, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unimpeded flow of aid to the enclave.

Since March, Israel has implemented a total blockade of humanitarian aid entering Gaza in a bid to step up pressure on Hamas.

The latest Israeli plan to allow third parties to deliver aid aims to ensure deliveries reach the right people, the country’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, has said.

However, Guterres has repeatedly rejected the Israeli plan.

“I emphasize that the UN will not participate in any so-called aid operation that does not adhere to international law and the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality,” he said on Saturday.

The UN chief also highlighted the situation in the West Bank, where settler annexation and the building of illegal settlements has escalated.

“Annexation is illegal. Settlements are illegal,” he said.

Guterres highlighted next month’s high-level conference on the Palestinian issue, co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France, as an “important opportunity.”

He said: “The world, the region — and, most of all, the people of Palestine and Israel — cannot afford to watch the two-state solution disappear before our eyes.”

On Lebanon, Guterres praised the “stated commitment by Lebanese officials to ensure a state monopoly over weapons.”

It comes as the UN’s peacekeeping force in the country, UNIFIL, works in tandem with the Lebanese army to seize Hezbollah arms caches in the country’s south.

In neighboring Syria, a political process “based on the key principles of Security Council resolution 2254” will “safeguard the rights and participation of all Syrians regardless of ethnicity and religion, and ensure their protection,” Guterres said.

The UN chief also welcomed the Houthi-US ceasefire mediated by Oman that was reached earlier this month.

“The trajectory of violence must cease as we work for a negotiated Yemeni-led political settlement,” he said.

Guterres said he was “very grateful” to the Arab League and African Union for “the excellent coordination meeting that we managed to have yesterday” on the situation in Sudan.

“In Libya, we are actively engaging with national and international actors to end the confrontation between armed groups, to preserve the independence of key oversight institutions, to address the obstacles preventing national elections, and set the course for long-term stability and prosperity — in line with the Libyan people’s needs and aspirations,” he said.

The Arab League is a “vital partner” in these efforts, he added.

“Despite the enormous challenges, let us draw lessons and hope from here in Baghdad. Working in unity and solidarity, we can help resolve conflicts and build a future of peace and prosperity,” Guterres said.

“That is the shared goal of the Arab League and the UN, and I look forward to continue to deepen our partnership together.”


Syrian government forces raid Daesh hideouts in Aleppo

Syrian government forces raid Daesh hideouts in Aleppo
Updated 17 May 2025
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Syrian government forces raid Daesh hideouts in Aleppo

Syrian government forces raid Daesh hideouts in Aleppo
  • The security forces seized weapons, bombs and uniforms with the security forces’ insignia
  • A security source said the raids had targeted sleeper cells in four locations

DAMASCUS: Syrian security forces raided Daesh hideouts in Aleppo on Saturday, killing at least one militant and arresting others, the Interior Ministry said, the first time such an operation has been announced under the country’s new Islamist rulers.

A member of the security forces was also killed, the statement issued by Interior Ministry spokesperson said. The security forces seized weapons, bombs and uniforms with the security forces’ insignia.

A security source said the raids had targeted sleeper cells in four locations. One Daesh militant had blown himself up, and another had been killed in clashes, the source said.

Syria’s interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who once led a branch of Al-Qaeda, has long been an adversary of Daesh, and battled the group’s self-declared caliphate during the Syrian war.

US President Donald Trump met Sharaa earlier this week, and praised him as an “attractive guy with a very strong past” after the encounter in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

Trump also declared the United States would lift sanctions, a major US policy shift that should help revive the shattered economy and marked a major boost for Sharaa.

Sharaa seized power in Damascus in December after veteran leader Bashar Assad was ousted. Sharaa cut ties with Al-Qaeda in 2016.

Daesh controlled swathes of Syria and Iraq at the height of its power, before being beaten out of the territory by enemies including a US-led military alliance.