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I received info that there has been a shark attack yesterday in St. Johns area (deep southern Egyptian Red Sea) with one dead and others in hospital. As far as I know, shark feeding was involved.
Shark attack (St. Johns - Red Sea)
- Thread starter Red Sea Shadow
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Selachimorpha
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Shark kills French tourist off Egypt's Red Sea coast | Reuters
Just been sent this link by a friend of mine....
Just been sent this link by a friend of mine....
Gen San Chris
Contributor
Sad but I do not think that sharks should be fed by divers! Its not natural for them!
CDWS press release: Chamber News
Official report:
Egypt's Chamber of Diving and Water Sports (CDWS) can confirm that a woman died followed an attack from a shark which occurred on the morning of Monday 1 June at St Johns Reef in the southern Red Sea.
The French woman had been on a diving safari holiday on board the boat Lanotel when the incident took place. A number of boats were moored at a reef. A group of about 20 snorkellers was observing what is thought to be an oceanic white tip shark approximately 2.5 - 3m long The woman is reported to have moved away from the group and some distance from the reef then ducked dive down towards the shark. On surfacing she was bitten on the leg and was still in contact with the shark as she was pulled onto the boat. Once on the boat, the casualty lost consciousness and died soon after.
The boat returned to the Port of Hamata, where other members of the group were interviewed by police and statements were taken.
Initial investigations revealed last week that two safari boats had been involved in feeding sharks in this area. Investigations by both the National Park and CDWS are already underway and if the allegations are found to be true, the boat operators will face severe penalties that may involve suspension from operating and heavy fines. Shark feeding is a serious violation of Red Sea rules, and an act that can severely disturb the sensitive marine eco-system and behaviour of marine animals.
Egypt's Chamber of Diving and Water Sports (CDWS) can confirm that a woman died followed an attack from a shark which occurred on the morning of Monday 1 June at St Johns Reef in the southern Red Sea.
The French woman had been on a diving safari holiday on board the boat Lanotel when the incident took place. A number of boats were moored at a reef. A group of about 20 snorkellers was observing what is thought to be an oceanic white tip shark approximately 2.5 - 3m long The woman is reported to have moved away from the group and some distance from the reef then ducked dive down towards the shark. On surfacing she was bitten on the leg and was still in contact with the shark as she was pulled onto the boat. Once on the boat, the casualty lost consciousness and died soon after.
The boat returned to the Port of Hamata, where other members of the group were interviewed by police and statements were taken.
Initial investigations revealed last week that two safari boats had been involved in feeding sharks in this area. Investigations by both the National Park and CDWS are already underway and if the allegations are found to be true, the boat operators will face severe penalties that may involve suspension from operating and heavy fines. Shark feeding is a serious violation of Red Sea rules, and an act that can severely disturb the sensitive marine eco-system and behaviour of marine animals.
OP
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HEPCA report:
HEPCA, and all its members from the Egyptian Red Sea would like to extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of the French snorkeler killed by an Oceanic-White-Tip Shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) at the Saint John’s reefs this week. Contrary to rumour this was the only incident of recent shark fatality or injury to tourists in the Egyptian Red Sea. Further, HEPCA has not attributed blame of the fatality to the behaviour of the snorkeler who was killed. However HEPCA advises strongly that snorkelling in waters where this species is frequently encountered, such as the Far Islands and Saint Johns, is highly unadvisable.
Oceanic-White-Tip Sharks are large (maximum size 390 cm) predators rarely encountered because their main habitat is deep water well away from land. However, at certain times of the year this species aggregate at isolated islands, rocks and pinnacles in deep water in the Egyptian Red Sea. It is still unclear why they do this. Some scientists have suggested that they move seasonally close to islands for reproduction or feeding. Alternatively, because of their inquisitive nature, they might simply be attracted to boats and divers. Interactions between this species and SCUBA divers at some offshore dive sites in Egyptian waters are common at certain times of the year. Indeed, large numbers of divers travel to Egypt each year for the privilege of viewing this large species of shark. Although potentially dangerous, like most large wild animals, many thousands of divers have been safely introduced to this species without incident of injury. However certain activities can increase the risk of negative interactions with this and other species of shark. Foremost is the activity of divers feeding sharks with scrapes of food in order to attract them closer. Although shark feeding is legal in some well known dive destinations, such as the Caribbean, it is strictly forbidden under law in Egypt because of the very reason tragically witnessed this week.
The recent shark fatality is a great tragedy for all concerned and HEPCA wants to reassure visitors that every measure will be taken to reduce the risk of a similar incident occurring again. HEPCA, in conjunction with local industry,CDWS and government officials, are now formulating a strategy to help limit the risk of such an incident occurring again. In particular dive companies involved in the illegal activity of shark feeding will have their licences revoked. Although the risk of shark fatalities cannot be entirely stopped, the following activities will greatly minimise it:
- No swimming and snorkelling in waters where this and other large species of sharks are known to frequent
- No deliberate feeding of this species or the dumping of waste from boats which may attract this and other potentially dangerous sharks (both activities are illegal in Egyptian waters)
- No SCUBA diving without an experienced dive guide in waters where this species is known to frequent
- In areas such as the Far Islands, where this species is frequently observed, it is advisable that divers enter (and are retrieved from) the water as close as possible to the reef.
- In areas such as the Far Islands, where this species is frequently observed, it is illegal to be involved in any night diving activities.
HEPCA, and all its members from the Egyptian Red Sea would like to extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of the French snorkeler killed by an Oceanic-White-Tip Shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) at the Saint John’s reefs this week. Contrary to rumour this was the only incident of recent shark fatality or injury to tourists in the Egyptian Red Sea. Further, HEPCA has not attributed blame of the fatality to the behaviour of the snorkeler who was killed. However HEPCA advises strongly that snorkelling in waters where this species is frequently encountered, such as the Far Islands and Saint Johns, is highly unadvisable.
Oceanic-White-Tip Sharks are large (maximum size 390 cm) predators rarely encountered because their main habitat is deep water well away from land. However, at certain times of the year this species aggregate at isolated islands, rocks and pinnacles in deep water in the Egyptian Red Sea. It is still unclear why they do this. Some scientists have suggested that they move seasonally close to islands for reproduction or feeding. Alternatively, because of their inquisitive nature, they might simply be attracted to boats and divers. Interactions between this species and SCUBA divers at some offshore dive sites in Egyptian waters are common at certain times of the year. Indeed, large numbers of divers travel to Egypt each year for the privilege of viewing this large species of shark. Although potentially dangerous, like most large wild animals, many thousands of divers have been safely introduced to this species without incident of injury. However certain activities can increase the risk of negative interactions with this and other species of shark. Foremost is the activity of divers feeding sharks with scrapes of food in order to attract them closer. Although shark feeding is legal in some well known dive destinations, such as the Caribbean, it is strictly forbidden under law in Egypt because of the very reason tragically witnessed this week.
The recent shark fatality is a great tragedy for all concerned and HEPCA wants to reassure visitors that every measure will be taken to reduce the risk of a similar incident occurring again. HEPCA, in conjunction with local industry,CDWS and government officials, are now formulating a strategy to help limit the risk of such an incident occurring again. In particular dive companies involved in the illegal activity of shark feeding will have their licences revoked. Although the risk of shark fatalities cannot be entirely stopped, the following activities will greatly minimise it:
- No swimming and snorkelling in waters where this and other large species of sharks are known to frequent
- No deliberate feeding of this species or the dumping of waste from boats which may attract this and other potentially dangerous sharks (both activities are illegal in Egyptian waters)
- No SCUBA diving without an experienced dive guide in waters where this species is known to frequent
- In areas such as the Far Islands, where this species is frequently observed, it is advisable that divers enter (and are retrieved from) the water as close as possible to the reef.
- In areas such as the Far Islands, where this species is frequently observed, it is illegal to be involved in any night diving activities.
OP
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Obviously CDWS issued more than one version of the report! Anyway here's an addendum to what they sent initially. I received that by email from one of their staff.
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Following these incidents, CDWS approached leading shark expert Richard Peirce, Chairman of the Shark Trust, to ask his opinion on this behaviour and his advice. His response was as follows:
"I would confirm that whilst the Oceanic Whitetip is a species that has been recorded as being dangerous to man, attacks and incidents are extremely rare unless in aggravated circumstances. I have read various media reports which indicate that some type of baiting/chumming/ feeding may have been occurring in the area, and even on the boat concerned in the recent fatal attack. Chumming is the act of placing a scent trail in the water to attract sharks, and this is normally mashed up oily fish and/or blood and chum trails will contain little or no solid matter. Baiting involves solid matter which is used to attract sharks near to boats or divers, and when baits are fed to the sharks, feeding occurs and there is considerable scientific evidence to show that feeding produces "conditioned" behaviour in sharks. Feeding also occurs as part of tourist operations and is particularly common in the Caribbean. When sharks become conditioned they learn to associate one action or occurrence with another. For example the arrival of a boat or humans in the water means food.
"If reports are right and chumming and feeding has been carried out by boats for some time, then it is possible that a degree of conditioning may have started with sharks in that area. I would suggest that any feeding/baiting/ chumming activity which may be going on should be ceased immediately. I would further suggest that diving groups should stick closely together and not become strung out, and that one or two people in groups should carry shark billies. Shark billies are poles made of wood or metal which are typically 3/4 foot long and can be used to push sharks away should they get too close. If divers are ascending and being followed to the surface by sharks then they should leave the water calmly, and in an orderly fashion with the dive master who has the billie being the last to leave the water. Eye contact should be kept with the sharks at all times. Going back to the beginning, sharks attacking humans is very rare unless the situation is in some way aggravated, and chumming/feeding sharks could cause aggravated behaviour resulting in potential danger to humans."
We would like to emphasise to all CDWS members that they should ensure that their operation is never involved in any kind of shark or fish feeding activity in the Red Sea. Please ensure that all staff, boat crew, guides and guests are aware of the seriousness of such a violation and the harmful effects it has on the marine environment and the damage such activity can have on the reputation of the Red Sea's diving industry.
CDWS and the whole diving industry needs the full support of its members on this matter.
--------------------------------
--------------------------------
Following these incidents, CDWS approached leading shark expert Richard Peirce, Chairman of the Shark Trust, to ask his opinion on this behaviour and his advice. His response was as follows:
"I would confirm that whilst the Oceanic Whitetip is a species that has been recorded as being dangerous to man, attacks and incidents are extremely rare unless in aggravated circumstances. I have read various media reports which indicate that some type of baiting/chumming/ feeding may have been occurring in the area, and even on the boat concerned in the recent fatal attack. Chumming is the act of placing a scent trail in the water to attract sharks, and this is normally mashed up oily fish and/or blood and chum trails will contain little or no solid matter. Baiting involves solid matter which is used to attract sharks near to boats or divers, and when baits are fed to the sharks, feeding occurs and there is considerable scientific evidence to show that feeding produces "conditioned" behaviour in sharks. Feeding also occurs as part of tourist operations and is particularly common in the Caribbean. When sharks become conditioned they learn to associate one action or occurrence with another. For example the arrival of a boat or humans in the water means food.
"If reports are right and chumming and feeding has been carried out by boats for some time, then it is possible that a degree of conditioning may have started with sharks in that area. I would suggest that any feeding/baiting/ chumming activity which may be going on should be ceased immediately. I would further suggest that diving groups should stick closely together and not become strung out, and that one or two people in groups should carry shark billies. Shark billies are poles made of wood or metal which are typically 3/4 foot long and can be used to push sharks away should they get too close. If divers are ascending and being followed to the surface by sharks then they should leave the water calmly, and in an orderly fashion with the dive master who has the billie being the last to leave the water. Eye contact should be kept with the sharks at all times. Going back to the beginning, sharks attacking humans is very rare unless the situation is in some way aggravated, and chumming/feeding sharks could cause aggravated behaviour resulting in potential danger to humans."
We would like to emphasise to all CDWS members that they should ensure that their operation is never involved in any kind of shark or fish feeding activity in the Red Sea. Please ensure that all staff, boat crew, guides and guests are aware of the seriousness of such a violation and the harmful effects it has on the marine environment and the damage such activity can have on the reputation of the Red Sea's diving industry.
CDWS and the whole diving industry needs the full support of its members on this matter.
--------------------------------
OP
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I received this today:
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Open Letter from HEPCA To all Dive Guides in the Egyptian Red Sea
Most of you are aware of the death of the snorkeler at St. Johns by an Oceanic WhiteTip Shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) earlier this month. The death was especially tragic because it could have been avoided if guests had been stopped from snorkelling. Allowing guests to snorkel at St. Johns and other Far Islands, especially when C. longimanus is presence, is highly unprofessional. Not only does it place guests at risk of injury, but such unprofessional action gives the whole Egyptian Red Sea dive industry a bad reputation. Since the death of the snorkeler, dive guides have reported to HEPCA that some C. longimanus at the Far Islands are displaying overly inquisitive or even aggressive behaviour towards them while diving. This included sharks near the surface moving rapidly towards divers at 30 m. Others have reported being bumped, tanks nudged and sharks swimming extremely close to them and their guests. There may be a number of reasons why these animals are behaving this way. It could be due to the illegal actions of some divers who have been feeding them in these areas or boat crews baiting them. Alternatively, or in combination with, it may be due to natural seasonal causes relating to reproduction or the presence of natural prey. Whatever the reason(s), we urge guides to be especially vigilant when diving in areas where C. longimanus is commonly encountered. In light of this recent information, we have expanded our earlier list of recommendations when taking guests to areas where this species is commonly encountered. The earlier and new recommendations are:
• No swimming and snorkelling in waters where this and other large species of sharks are known to frequent
• No deliberate feeding of this species or the dumping of waste from boats which may attract this and other potentially dangerous sharks (both activities are illegal in Egyptian waters)
• No SCUBA diving without an experienced dive guide in waters where this species is known to frequent
• In areas such as the Far Islands, where this species is frequently observed, it is advisable that divers enter (and are retrieved from) the water as close as possible to the reef.
• In areas such as the Far Islands it is illegal to be involved in any night diving activities.
• Dive in groups and keep close together.
• Two dive guides should accompany each group.
• Divers should leave the water immediately if sharks display signs of aggression such as nudging or circling divers, or moving rapidly towards them.
• Report to HEPCA any incidents of aggressive behaviour by these animals towards divers, and
• Report to HEPCA the names of vessels whose divers or crew are observed feeding or baiting sharks.
Until recently, the Egypt Red Sea diving industry had an impressive track record of safely introducing divers to one of the largest and wide-ranging predators on the planet. With your help we would like to rebuild that record. For more information of this species in the Egyptian Red Sea go to: http://www.longimanus.info/species-info.htm
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------------------------------
Open Letter from HEPCA To all Dive Guides in the Egyptian Red Sea
Most of you are aware of the death of the snorkeler at St. Johns by an Oceanic WhiteTip Shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) earlier this month. The death was especially tragic because it could have been avoided if guests had been stopped from snorkelling. Allowing guests to snorkel at St. Johns and other Far Islands, especially when C. longimanus is presence, is highly unprofessional. Not only does it place guests at risk of injury, but such unprofessional action gives the whole Egyptian Red Sea dive industry a bad reputation. Since the death of the snorkeler, dive guides have reported to HEPCA that some C. longimanus at the Far Islands are displaying overly inquisitive or even aggressive behaviour towards them while diving. This included sharks near the surface moving rapidly towards divers at 30 m. Others have reported being bumped, tanks nudged and sharks swimming extremely close to them and their guests. There may be a number of reasons why these animals are behaving this way. It could be due to the illegal actions of some divers who have been feeding them in these areas or boat crews baiting them. Alternatively, or in combination with, it may be due to natural seasonal causes relating to reproduction or the presence of natural prey. Whatever the reason(s), we urge guides to be especially vigilant when diving in areas where C. longimanus is commonly encountered. In light of this recent information, we have expanded our earlier list of recommendations when taking guests to areas where this species is commonly encountered. The earlier and new recommendations are:
• No swimming and snorkelling in waters where this and other large species of sharks are known to frequent
• No deliberate feeding of this species or the dumping of waste from boats which may attract this and other potentially dangerous sharks (both activities are illegal in Egyptian waters)
• No SCUBA diving without an experienced dive guide in waters where this species is known to frequent
• In areas such as the Far Islands, where this species is frequently observed, it is advisable that divers enter (and are retrieved from) the water as close as possible to the reef.
• In areas such as the Far Islands it is illegal to be involved in any night diving activities.
• Dive in groups and keep close together.
• Two dive guides should accompany each group.
• Divers should leave the water immediately if sharks display signs of aggression such as nudging or circling divers, or moving rapidly towards them.
• Report to HEPCA any incidents of aggressive behaviour by these animals towards divers, and
• Report to HEPCA the names of vessels whose divers or crew are observed feeding or baiting sharks.
Until recently, the Egypt Red Sea diving industry had an impressive track record of safely introducing divers to one of the largest and wide-ranging predators on the planet. With your help we would like to rebuild that record. For more information of this species in the Egyptian Red Sea go to: http://www.longimanus.info/species-info.htm
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