Red Sea Tourism Under Threat: From Boat Incidents to Shark Attacks

The Red Sea, a cornerstone of Egypt's tourism, faces challenges due to fatal boating incidents and shark attacks. With tourism being a vital part of the economy, significant safety concerns arise. Prior militant attacks further strained Egypt's tourism by targeting key tourist sites and harming visitors.

The Red Sea is vital to Egypt's tourism industry but faces recent challenges due to boating accidents and shark attacks. These incidents have led to concerns about visitor safety, particularly as the Red Sea's vibrant coral reefs and marine life attract substantial foreign tourists.

In the past, attacks by Islamist militants caused significant damage to the tourism sector by deterring visitors from attractions like the Great Pyramids of Giza. The sinking of the Sindbad tourist submarine in 2025, the capsizing of the Sea Story in 2024, and the Hurricane boat fire in 2023 underscore ongoing safety issues.

Additionally, shark attacks, such as those killing tourists near Marsa Alam and Sharm el-Sheikh, have raised further alarms. These incidents highlight the need for improved security measures in vital tourist regions amid lingering concerns from previous militant threats.

(With inputs from agencies.)