“Beach of death” reopened. Its past does not discourage tourists
Egypt — in addition to reliable weather — also tempts tourists with beautiful beaches. One of them has just reopened to vacationers after a three-year hiatus. Despite its less than ideal past, the “beach of death” still attracts crowds.
Egypt is one of the most popular destinations for tourists from around the world. According to data from the Ministry of Culture and Ancient Heritage there, a monthly record was set in April 2023 in the number of vacationers. At the time, 1.35 million people visited the State of the Pharaohs. It is estimated that by the end of the year the country could host a total of 15 million vacationers, which would be the best result ever.
The previous record comes from 2010, when as many as 14.7 million tourists visited Egypt. In past years, the number has declined sharply due to covidien restrictions. In 2020, the country, located in northeast Africa, was chosen as a vacation destination by only 3.7 million people, 9 million fewer than the year before. It was slightly better in 2021 and 2022–8 million and 11.7 million, respectively.
“Beach of death” reopened
Egypt tempts foreign tourists not only with its constant weather, but also with its beautiful beaches. Although their charm does not always go hand in hand with safety. An example of this is located in the province of Alexandria, the notorious “beach of death,” which has been closed to vacationers for the past three years.
The decision was prompted not by the epidemiological situation, but by a series of tragic incidents that occurred at the site almost daily. In the summer of 2018, as many as 16 people drowned there in a single day. The authorities followed the announcements and reports of more victims with concern. Therefore, out of concern for the health and lives of beachgoers, in 2020 they ordered the closure of the foul beach until further notice. The surrounding area was fenced off with barbed wire stretching over 1.5 kilometers.
“There have been theories suggesting that the breakwaters placed along the beach create eddies that are particularly dangerous for inexperienced swimmers,” argued Osama Ali, director general of the Central Administration for Tourism and Resorts, speaking of the hypothetical causes of the tragic events at the Mediterranean.
Three years after the decision to close Palm Beach, the Central Alexandria Tourism and Resorts Authority has conveyed that, to the delight of residents and tourists visiting the area, the beach will reopen. Security measures will be strengthened to ensure that no further tragic incidents occur.
“With the arrival of summer 2023. The Central Administration for Tourism and Resorts in Alexandria has announced the reopening of Palm Beach, establishing new rules to ensure the safety of visitors,” Osama Ali added.
Certified lifeguards will be watching over both the breakwaters at sea and the watchtowers on the beach. It doesn’t stop there, however. Three or four water scooters must be at sea at all times, and there are as many as four emergency stations along the beach.
Shark attack in Egypt
In recent weeks, media around the world have been covering the tragic incident that occurred in Hurghada in eastern Egypt. On June 8, a 24-year-old Russian man died as a result of a shark attack on a Red Sea beach.
Authorities immediately closed nearby beaches and introduced special precautions. Many other Egyptian resorts, also fearing for the health and lives of vacationers, are calling for safety nets to be placed in the sea, in addition to additional lifeguard paroles. The proposal, however, raises mixed feelings, as experts believe the nets could do more harm than good.
For the time being, tourists are asked to keep a closer eye on the area where they are resting, and not to throw leftover food into the water.
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