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Tourist killed in shark attack near resort as his wife pleaded for help

A tourist has died after a shark attack near a popular resort in Egypt.

Gianluca Di Gioia, 48, from Rome, died after being attacked by the tiger shark in the Red Sea on Sunday, December 22, according to Italian news agency ANSA.

According to the report, Di Gioia visited the resort with his family to celebrate his birthday, which happened to be the day before, Saturday, December 21st.

The man’s wife screamed for help as she watched the attack from the shore, an Italian newspaper reported Corriere della Sera reported.

Egypt’s Environment Ministry said Di Gioia’s 69-year-old friend tried to stop the attack, which took place “in deep water outside the bathing area” at the Marsa Alam resort, according to a translation by ANSA.

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Meanwhile, the friend who tried to save him suffered “superficial wounds,” it is said Corriere della Sera.

Gianluca Di Gioia, the man killed in a shark attack off the coast of Egypt on Sunday December 22nd.

Gianluca Di Gioia/Facebook


Di Gioia was born in Italy but lived with his family ANSA and in France Corriere della Sera reported. He and his wife married in 2013.

In addition, he was a European Union official, ANSA reported. Di Gioia has worked at the European External Action Service since 2012.

According to reports, Di Gioia’s body is currently in the Port Ghalib Hospital mortuary. The investigation into his death is ongoing.

Egypt’s Environment Ministry said the area where the attack took place was closed until Wednesday, January 1.

The Italian embassy in Cairo is reportedly providing assistance to Di Gioia’s family following the man’s death.

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