Cairo: The Red Sea, famous for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, serves as a key destination for Egypt’s tourism industry, a vital pillar of the country’s economy. However, a series of boating accidents and shark attacks in recent years have raised concerns over tourist safety, with multiple fatalities reported.
In the past, Egypt’s tourism sector has also suffered setbacks due to attacks by Islamist militant groups targeting foreigners. These incidents deterred visitors from exploring major attractions such as the Great Pyramids of Giza or taking Nile cruises through 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, claiming the lives of six Russian tourists. The vessel was carrying 50 passengers, including 45 tourists from Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden, alongside five Egyptian crew members. Authorities rescued 39 people and launched an investigation into the cause of the disaster.
“Sea Story” Yacht Capsizes
On November 25, 2024, the tourist yacht Sea Story capsized off the coast of Marsa Alam during a multi-day diving expedition, resulting in four fatalities. The vessel, carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members, was struck by high waves and sank within minutes. While 33 survivors escaped with minor injuries, seven individuals were reported missing as rescue operations continued.
“Hurricane” Boat Fire
On June 11, 2023, a fire engulfed the motorboat Hurricane near Marsa Shagra, a well-known diving resort north of Marsa Alam. The vessel was carrying scuba divers on holiday, including 15 British tourists and 14 Egyptian crew members and guides. While 12 tourists and all crew members were successfully rescued, three British tourists who were initially reported missing were later confirmed dead.
Sinking of a Tourist Boat
On August 20, 2015, a tourist boat struck coral reefs and sank off the Red Sea coast. The accident prompted a swift rescue operation that saved 26 French tourists and 10 Egyptians from the sinking vessel.
Shark Attacks
Shark Kills Italian Tourist in Marsa Alam
On December 29, 2024, an Italian tourist was killed and another injured in a shark attack near Marsa Alam. The attack occurred in deep waters outside the designated swimming zones close to the jetties.
Tiger Shark Kills Russian Citizen Near Hurghada Beach
On June 9, 2023, a Russian citizen was fatally attacked by a tiger shark near a beach at the Red Sea resort of Hurghada. Following the incident, authorities imposed a ban on swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities across several nearby beaches.
Shark Attacks Kill Two Women South of Hurghada
On July 3, 2022, two women—an Austrian and a Romanian—were killed in separate shark attacks south of Hurghada. The attacks occurred within 600 meters (2,000 feet) of each other near Sahl Hasheesh, raising concerns over shark activity in the area.
German Tourist Killed in Sharm el-Sheikh
On December 5, 2010, a 70-year-old German tourist lost her life in a shark attack while swimming near the shore at the renowned Sinai Peninsula resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. The attack sparked widespread speculation regarding its cause, with one Egyptian official suggesting that it could have been part of a covert operation by Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency.
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Islamist Militant Attacks on Tourists
Russian Metrojet Flight 9268 Crash
On October 31, 2015, a Russian airliner crashed in the Sinai Peninsula shortly after departing from Sharm el-Sheikh, killing all 224 passengers on board.
Investigations revealed that the aircraft broke apart mid-air following a loud explosion in the cockpit. It was later determined that a bomb was likely responsible for the blast. Islamic State’s official magazine claimed responsibility, publishing a photo of a Schweppes can, alleging it had been used as an improvised explosive device.
Egypt initially denied terrorism was involved. However, nearly a year later, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi acknowledged that the plane had been brought down by terrorists seeking to damage the country’s tourism sector and strain relations with Russia.
Taba Bus Bombing
On February 16, 2014, a suicide bomber targeted a tourist bus in Taba, near the Israeli border, killing three South Korean tourists and the Egyptian bus driver.
The attack was later claimed by the Sinai-based jihadist group Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, which stated that it was part of their campaign to weaken the Egyptian government by striking its economic lifeline—tourism.
Luxor Massacre
On November 17, 1997, six gunmen disguised as security personnel carried out a massacre at the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor, killing 58 foreign tourists and four Egyptians.
The assailants, armed with automatic weapons and knives, carried out the attack in broad daylight. The Islamist militant group al-Jama’a al-Islamiyya later claimed responsibility, declaring it an effort to destabilize the Egyptian government and inflict severe damage on the tourism industry.
Tourism Recovery Efforts
Despite these challenges, successive Egyptian governments have launched widespread crackdowns on militant groups, helping the tourism sector gradually recover. Increased security measures, stringent safety regulations, and enhanced emergency response protocols aim to reassure international travelers and bolster confidence in Egypt’s tourism industry.
