On June 8, Vladimir Popov, a 24-year-old Russian, faced a horrifying fate while vacationing in Hurghada, Egypt, as he lost his life to a tiger shark in a dreadful attack witnessed by horrified onlookers at the Dream Beach area.
Philip Sapozhnikov, a senior researcher at the Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, shed light on the incident’s causes and ways to safeguard against underwater predators, sharing insights with Russian media.
Sapozhnikov highlighted the shark-prone nature of the Red Sea surrounding the Egyptian coast. However, he noted that Hurghada’s coast poses a comparatively lower threat due to active shark extermination by local fishermen, who supply predator meat to coastal restaurants.
As the summer vacation season unfolds, resorts, including those in Egypt, witness a surge in tourists, offering activities such as diving and gastronomic excursions on ships. Sapozhnikov cautioned against the unconscious feeding of sharks during these excursions, explaining that discarded remnants attract the predatory fish.
Another significant factor contributing to shark aggression is the routes of cattle ships crossing the Red Sea. These ships transport livestock, and Sapozhnikov pointed out that the carcasses of deceased animals thrown overboard create a trail of blood that attracts sharks to coastal areas.
Sapozhnikov offered recommendations on protecting against shark encounters and what to do if confronted. He advised avoiding swimming in muddy water near landfills containing food waste, staying close to the shore, and minimizing surface splashing to avoid attracting sharks.
In light of Vladimir Popov’s tragic loss, it becomes imperative to prioritize responsible disposal methods and adopt precautionary measures outlined by experts like Sapozhnikov to coexist safely with the diverse marine life in the Red Sea.
Through comprehensive understanding and responsible practices, we can honor Vladimir Popov’s memory and strive for safer interactions with marine ecosystems.
