The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed a report by AFP to APA that another woman was fatally injured by a predator there. The nationality of the second victim was not known for the time being. According to the ministry, however, it is not an Austrian. It is also unclear whether it was the same animal.
As the Egyptian Ministry of Environment announced on Sunday, both women were attacked by a shark on Friday in Sahl Hasheesh south of the seaside resort of Hurghada. The ministry launched an investigation into the incident. In the meantime, those responsible have closed numerous beaches in the affected section of the Red Sea.
The victim from Austria was taken to a private hospital after the attack on Friday, the Reuters news agency learned. However, the woman died of circulatory failure due to the sudden drop in blood pressure from her injuries and blood loss.
All activities prohibited
According to media reports, all “sea activities” have been banned, including diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kite sailing and fishing. Tourists watched the tragic scenes from a jetty. Some tried to pull the woman out of the water with a rope. Despite her serious injuries, the 68-year-old was able to save herself on the shore. According to the media, the animal is said to have torn off a leg and an arm.
As local media reports, the animal is said to be a mako shark. This can reach a length of about two to four meters and a weight of 590 kilograms. A mako shark can swim up to 70 km/h.
Tyrolean attacked while swimming
The woman, who wore flippers, was attacked while swimming in the bay. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is a woman from Tyrol. The Austrian embassy in Cairo is in contact with the 68-year-old’s family and the local authorities. According to the message, the Tyrolean was on the beach with her Egyptian-born partner.
You have stayed in an area approved for swimming. The 68-year-old from the Kufstein district had been on vacation in Egypt since June 2nd. She leaves a daughter. Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP), who is currently visiting Cairo, expressed his sympathy to the relatives.
Shark attacks rather rare
The Red Sea is a popular destination for divers, among others. According to dpa, shark attacks are actually very rare there. However, there have also been isolated cases of deadly attacks. In 2018, a tourist from the Czech Republic died after a shark attack, as did a German in 2015 and a German pensioner in 2010. The animals may be attracted by rubbish or – actually forbidden – food and bait from excursion boats.
Localization: Sahl Hasheesh is south of Hurghada
Source: Nachrichten
