Before undertaking any adventure activity ensure that your travel insurance covers you for the activity.
On 6th December 2010, diving and water sport activities in the Sharm El Sheikh area were again suspended following reports of a further shark attack in Naama Bay on 5 December, in which a German tourist died. The attack followed three similar incidents involving three tourists who sustained injuries after being attacked by what is believed to be a single adult oceanic white tip shark on 30th November and 1st December. The ban is likely to remain until the shark is caught and officials are investigating the cause of the attacks. Attacks by oceanic white tip sharks are extremely rare and shark attacks of any kind are very unusual in the Red Sea.
If you are considering diving or snorkelling in any of the Red Sea resorts be aware that safety standards of diving operators can vary considerably. A basic rule is never to dive or snorkel unaccompanied. Where possible make any bookings through your tour representative. Unusually cheap operators may not provide adequate safety and insurance standards. Ensure that your travel insurance covers you fully before you dive. Diving beyond the depth limit of your insurance policy will invalidate your cover.
Ensure that your travel insurance, or that of the tour or dive company, provides adequate cover for the costs involved in any air/sea rescue if you are lost at sea. The current fee can exceed US$4000 per hour. The Egyptian authorities will only undertake air/sea rescue operations on receipt of a guarantee of payment. The British Embassy is unable to provide this initial guarantee, but does facilitate communication between insurance companies and the Egyptian authorities.
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