Egypt Daily News – Social media users have circulated a video showing Egyptian beachgoers chasing a shark near the shores of Dahab in South Sinai, prompting an official warning from the Ministry of Environment.
The video captures a group of vacationers pursuing the shark in the Laguna area using boats, with no visible concern for their safety, while others watched from the shore.
In a statement, the Ministry of Environment confirmed that the incident took place four days ago and involved a whale shark—a species known to be harmless to humans. Following the sighting, Environment Minister Dr. Yasmine Fouad directed the South Sinai Protected Areas team to investigate.
The ministry clarified that the whale shark was spotted last Saturday and poses no danger to people. However, the minister warned that excessive proximity or attempts to touch or capture the animal could result in accidental injuries due to its massive size and powerful movements.
Describing the whale shark, the ministry noted that it is the largest species of fish in the world, reaching lengths of up to 18 meters and weighing around 15 tons, with an estimated lifespan of up to 100 years. It is easily identified by its dark color marked with light spots and stripes, a wide mouth, and a dorsal fin that often appears above shallow waters.
The whale shark plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Red Sea and is listed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List due to threats such as bycatch, ship collisions, and overfishing.
Egypt has witnessed several shark-related incidents over the past two years, including fatal attacks. In one such case last December, a tourist was killed and another injured in a shark attack at a resort in Marsa Alam on the Red Sea.
In response to recurring incidents, authorities have begun installing satellite tracking devices to monitor the movement and behavior of sharks in Egyptian waters, aiming to implement precautionary measures and ensure the safety of beachgoers.
