British tourists with sights set on the Red Sea have been handed an urgent warning by the Foreign Office following a number of deaths. The UK Government has doled out key advice to ensure travellers are aware of potential safety discrepancies in the area.
The guidance on their website reads: “There have been recent incidents involving British nationals on diving boats/tours in the Red Sea. Some of these have included fatalities. Safety standards of Red Sea resort diving operators and boats vary considerably. Some operators may not provide adequate safety and insurance standards.”
Holidaymakers are urged to be diligent about safety protocols, to book excursions through tour representatives or reputable operators where possible, and to remain alert to any changes in weather conditions. Additionally, they are cautioned against undertaking solo diving or snorkelling activities, or exceeding depths covered by their insurance policy, as this could invalidate it, reports WalesOnline.
The government department also points out: “Make sure your travel insurance, or the tour or dive company, will cover the costs for any air or sea rescue, which can cost more than $4,000 (£3,201.13) per hour.” It is emphasised that Egyptian authorities require payment assurances before commencing rescue operations.
Tourists are recommended to arrange their trips at holiday resorts or via certified agents or operators. Tourists have been also cautioned by officials who flagged the unlikely yet potential risk of marine wildlife encounters. “Shark attacks are rare, but there have been attacks on tourists in the Red Sea region,” they warned.
The Foreign Office has urged UK citizens to remain vigilant and informed by saying: “Monitor any updates from local authorities or your tour operator.” There is also a stark notice regarding the use of quad bikes in tourist spots, highlighting numerous severe incidents involving Brits. They urged travellers to practice routine vigilance, advising: “Take the same precautions as you would in the UK. Safety standards vary considerably. Always wear a crash helmet.”
Additionally, officials have pointed out a minor but noteworthy threat posed by unexploded landmines in certain desert regions. Areas of concern include the north-western part around El-Alamein, certain Mediterranean coastal regions near Marsa Matrouh, and parts of the Red Sea coastline extending southward from Suez.
The advice from the Foreign Office is explicit, cautioning that while hazardous zones typically bear clear signage and barbed wire enclosures, it is vital to heed local advice and exercise caution when venturing off established routes or trails. The Red Sea, renowned for its natural beauty, is a popular destination for tourists who enjoy its world-class diving and snorkelling spots. The water is often clear up to 30 metres, and boasts over 1,200 species of fish and 200 species of coral.
With consistently warm temperatures throughout the year, it is a favourite spot for those seeking winter sun. Several areas around the Red Sea are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Egypt’s Wadi Al-Hitan (Valley of the Whales) and the Farasan Islands in Saudi Arabia.
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