Middle East & Red Sea
The Red Sea offers world-class diving with abundant reef sharks. Recent isolated incidents have heightened awareness while most areas remain safe.
Total Recorded
38
attacks on record
Fatal Attacks
8
21.1% fatality rate
Last 5 Years
12
peak month: October
Risk Level
low
relative to global average
Sharks in These Waters
Oceanic Whitetip
high riskCarcharhinus longimanus
Responsible for recent Red Sea incidents. Open-water predator now approaching reefs.
Max size: 13 ft (4m)
Whitetip Reef Shark
low riskTriaenodon obesus
Harmless reef shark, often seen resting in caves.
Max size: 5 ft (1.6m)
Grey Reef Shark
moderate riskCarcharhinus amblyrhynchos
Common on Red Sea reefs. Will display warning signs before biting.
Max size: 6 ft (1.9m)
Hammerhead Shark
moderate riskSphyrna spp.
Scalloped hammerheads school in massive numbers at some sites.
Max size: 14 ft (4.3m)
Safety Tips
- ✓ Check Egyptian tourism advisories for specific beaches
- ✓ Avoid areas where sharks have been recently sighted
- ✓ Don't swim far from shore at resort beaches
- ✓ Diving with guides in established sites is very safe
- ✓ Never feed or approach oceanic whitetips
Did You Know?
- • Brothers Islands and Elphinstone are legendary shark dive sites
- • Hammerhead schools can number in the hundreds
- • Red Sea visibility often exceeds 100 feet
- • Oceanic whitetips were once common but are now endangered worldwide
Remember: Shark attacks are extremely rare. Millions of people safely enjoy the ocean every day. Stay informed, follow safety guidelines, and respect these magnificent creatures.