EU official killed and man hospitalised after horror shark attack at popular holiday resort in Egypt
WATCH: Shark spotted in UK waters as children flee the sea
GB News
An EU diplomat has been killed in a shark attack at a luxury Egyptian resort, with his friend sustaining serious injuries whilst attempting to save him.
Gianluca Di Gioia, 48, from Rome, was snorkelling at the Sataya Resort on the Red Sea coast of Marsa Alam when he was attacked by a tiger shark.
The incident occurred just days after Di Gioia, who worked at the European External Action Service, had celebrated his birthday at the resort.
Di Gioia was swimming alongside his friend Giuseppe Fappani, 69, approximately 50 metres from the beach when the shark approached them.
The incident occurred just days after Di Gioia, who worked at the European External Action Service, had celebrated his birthday
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Fappani's wife witnessed the horrific attack from a nearby pier, describing how her husband swam towards Di Gioia in an attempt to ward off the predator.
In a desperate act of bravery, Fappani managed to briefly push the shark away before it returned to attack both men.
Di Gioia's wife Laurence, who was also watching from the pier, raised the alarm and a dinghy was dispatched from the beach.
Despite initial hopes that both men would make it to safety, Di Gioia was caught in the shark's jaws as they attempted to swim back to the pier.
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The pair were rushed to a hospital in Port Ghalib, where Di Gioia tragically succumbed to his injuries. Fappani has since been discharged.
Egyptian authorities have launched an investigation into what they describe as an 'anomalous' incident, noting that the attack occurred in deep waters outside the designated bathing area.
Local officials emphasised the unusual timing of the attack, stating that "such incidents usually occur in spring or summer."
The victim had been living in France and working for the EU's diplomatic service for twelve years before the tragic incident.
Di Gioia had arrived at the resort on December 11 to celebrate his birthday on December 21 with family and friends, planning to stay until the New Year.
Di Gioia had arrived at the resort on the Red Sea coast of Marsa Alam on December 11 to celebrate his birthday on December 21 with family and friends
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The resort's pier and the stretch of sea where the attack occurred have been closed by authorities.
The incident marks the latest in a series of shark attacks in Egypt's Red Sea, with four fatal incidents recorded in the past decade.
The most recent previous attack occurred in June 2023, when a 23-year-old Russian national was killed by a tiger shark in Hurghada, north of Marsa Alam.
Marine experts warn that unregulated construction, overfishing, and irresponsible tourism practices are contributing to changes in shark behaviour in the region.
Di Gioia's wife and son are currently receiving support from tour operator Alpitour and the Italian embassy following the tragic incident.
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