The tiger shark is one of the most powerful and recognizable predators in the ocean. It is known for its impressive size, distinctive markings, and wide-ranging diet. Although encounters with a tiger shark in Hurghada are uncommon, the species gained significant attention following a highly publicized incident in the area.

In this article, we’ll explore interesting facts about tiger sharks, learn how they reproduce, review important safety guidelines for the Red Sea, and take a closer look at the tiger shark attack in Hurghada and the circumstances surrounding it.

A Few Interesting Facts About Tiger Sharks

The tiger shark having a latin name Galeocerdo cuvier from the Carcharhinidae family, lives in the Red Sea in Egypt, and is considered one of the most dangerous sharks. As a scuba diver, spotting this species of shark while scuba diving around Hurghada is very rare. 

About 19% of human victims of shark attacks because of tiger sharks, but these are extremely rare events. Tiger sharks can reach 5 meters in length and the largest ones can reach up to 900 kg in weight. 

A female tiger shark is usually bigger than a male one. They inhabit the open sea, deep lagoons besides with reef walls with sufficient food. This shark has a  wide-ranging diet, it feeds on everything, including dolphins, stingrays, various fish, other sharks, crustaceans, mammals, turtles, birds, and even various garbage. 

Tiger sharks feed mostly at night, because during the day, they are usually at greater depths, while at night, they surface in the shallows. Their lifespan reaches more than 30 years, probably up to 50 years. It can be identified by the vertical stripes on its body, which resemble tiger markings and fade with age.

Reproduction of Tiger Sharks

Female tiger sharks typically reproduce once every three years. During reproduction, the male tiger shark holds the female with his teeth in order to keep her still, which is inconvenient for her. The female’s pregnancy lasts more than a year. 

Tiger sharks are among the few ovoviviparous shark species, meaning the embryos develop inside eggs within the mother’s body instead of in the placenta. However, The female gives birth to live young in the Red Sea in the period from April and July. 

She can give birth to as many as 80 baby sharks. During fertilization, there are around 80 embryos inside the body of the mother, but few of them usually develop. Females usually give birth to 30 babies, having 50 to 70 cm in size. 

What is interesting and unusual about this species of sharks is their care for their young, which probably stay with their mother for about 6 months. After giving birth, the mother seeks out shallow areas with lower visibility to protect her young.

Safety Guidelines When Scuba Diving with Tiger Sharks in Hurghada

To guarantee your safety while swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving with tiger shark in Hurghada:

• Stay within designated swimming areas which are supervised by local hotels or guides.
• Follow local guidelines and comply with any swimming restrictions or alerts issued by the Ministry of Environment.
• Avoid entering the water at sunrise, sunset, or after dark, because in these periods sharks are most active in searching for food.
• Avoid deep steep water and do not swim alone or too far from shore.
• Don’t ever feed fish or sharks from the coast or boats, because this act negatively affects their behavior.

Tiger Shark Attack in Hurghada

On the afternoon of June 8, 2023, a fatal tiger shark attack occurred at the public Dream Beach in the center of Hurghada. The shark was a pregnant female that was captured and killed after a short time. 

After the examination of its entrails, it was confirmed that the attack had been carried out by a shark. The female shark was probably searching for a safe area to drop her young. After the incident, the access to the water on the beaches of Hurghada and all water activities, including scuba diving, were suspended for the following two days.