It was a 2.5-meter-long tiger shark that killed 48-year-old Gianluca Di Gioia in front of the Sataya Resort, one of the most luxurious on Marsa Alam beach in Egypt. In the first minutes of the investigation into the death of the European Union diplomat, who was in Marsa Alam to celebrate his birthday with his wife and family, it was revealed that the attack occurred about fifty meters from the shore, while Di Gioia was snorkeling. In one of the most impressive marine areas of the Red Sea due to the presence of rich coral reefs.
The injuries to his legs and arms were very serious. Di Gioia died even though 69-year-old Peppino Fappani, a dental technician from Cremona, another Italian holidaying on the Red Sea, threw himself into the water when he heard the sound. the screams of his compatriot.
According to Egyptian businessman Naguib Sawiris, one of Africa’s richest men, the accident was caused by commercial fishing boats throwing their waste into the sea, attracting sharks. In a message
Attack and rescue attempt
According to eyewitnesses, the accident occurred in an area adjacent to the Sataya Resort pier, approximately fifty meters from the shore. Snorkeling in the water, Fappani noticed Di Gioia’s screams and approached to help him. During the rescue effort, the shark dragged them both underwater. Di Gioia was seriously injured in his legs and arms and died a short time later. Despite the shallow wounds, Fappani managed to fend off the predator and was released from the hospital after receiving the necessary treatment.
Fappani’s daughter Cristina told RTL 102.5: “My father did not see the shark at first. He thought Gianluca was sick and approached him to help him. Only later did he realize the danger.” He also stated that the two tourists did not know each other but met in the village.
Risk and security areas
Egyptian authorities said the attack occurred in deep waters, outside the swimming area protected by a coral reef. However, Fappani’s family opposes this version, stating that the tourist was in the permitted zone. The Ministry of Environment, which had previously taken tiger, mako and ocean sharks under surveillance after the attack on a Russian tourist, established a commission to detect negligence in security measures.
Source: Today IT
Karen Clayton is a seasoned journalist and author at The Nation Update, with a focus on world news and current events. She has a background in international relations, which gives her a deep understanding of the political, economic and social factors that shape the global landscape. She writes about a wide range of topics, including conflicts, political upheavals, and economic trends, as well as humanitarian crisis and human rights issues.
