An EU diplomat in Egypt has died in a shark attack.

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A diplomat from the EU lost his life in a shark attack in the luxury resort of Marsa Alam, Egypt. An Italian tourist who tried to save his friend was also injured in the attack.

Gianluca Di Gioia, 48, who came from Rome, was attacked while snorkeling at the beach in front of the Sataya Resort in the Red Sea. Di Gioia, who worked for the European Union External Action Service, was on vacation celebrating his 69-year-old friend Giuseppe Fappani's birthday.

While swimming just 50 meters off the beach, the duo was attacked by a tiger shark beyond the hotel's pier in the coral reefs. Fappani's wife reported that she witnessed the horrific incident from the pier and that her husband was injured on his arms and legs while trying to fend off the shark.

Di Gioia's wife, Laurence, also called for help from the pier, and a boat set out from the shore. After a brief struggle, Fappani managed to fend off the shark, but the predator returned even more aggressively. As the duo tried to swim towards the shore, Di Gioia was caught by the shark's jaws.

The severely injured pair was taken to a hospital in Port Ghalib. Di Gioia lost his life, while Fappani was discharged. The family of the victim present at the scene is being assisted by the tour operator Alpitour and the Italian Embassy.

Egyptian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, which they described as "abnormal." It was noted that the attack occurred in deep waters beyond the coral reefs, which usually make it difficult for sharks to access. Officials emphasized that such incidents typically occur in the spring or summer months, highlighting the rarity of an attack during this season.

Di Gioia was born in Rome and had been working for the EU in France for 12 years. He arrived in Marsa Alam on December 11 to celebrate his birthday on December 21 and planned to stay there until New Year's.

In the last 10 years, there have been four fatal shark attacks in the Red Sea. Marine experts warn that uncontrolled development, overfishing, and irresponsible tourism practices have altered the ecosystem and shark behavior.