A British diver was bitten and knocked off balance by a shark near the coast of Egypt, a detail reported by Mirror. The incident unfolded as the diver explored Fury Shoal in the Red Sea, a region known for its clear water and diverse marine life.
Gary Virgo, 66, of East Sussex, was on a routine dive when a longtip shark appeared in the vicinity. This species has earned a reputation among experts as being one of the more formidable predators in the sea. The shark began to circle the diver and then delivered a forceful strike that sent him backward and lifted his legs into the air.
“The force of the blow threw me backward, my legs lifted into the air. I was a little out of breath in surprise, I couldn’t believe it; this wasn’t supposed to happen,” the Brit described the moment of impact. The encounter was shocking for a diver who has spent many years underwater, but it marks his first direct experience with a shark in the wild.
The surprise led to a shortened dive. What was planned as a 45-minute underwater excursion became a nine-minute sprint to the surface. Afterward, the diver suggested that his equipment color might have attracted the shark, pointing out the suit he wore featured orange, yellow, and black tones. He recalled reading that certain colors can deter sharks, though he noted that personal experiences like this are unpredictable and not guaranteed to match common guidance.
Despite the frightening event, the diver did not retreat from his passion. He spoke about the enduring appeal of underwater exploration and the draw of the sea that keeps him coming back. The incident did not shake his love for sharks or his willingness to pursue new underwater goals. He expressed a desire to see large predators up close in safe settings and remains resolute about future dives, including a plan to swim inside a cage with white sharks someday, a goal he described as part of his bucket list.
Experts who study shark behavior emphasize practical steps divers can take after such encounters. They advise staying calm, maintaining steady movements, and ascending slowly to reduce the risk of provoking further aggression. The experience also underscores how important it is to follow established safety protocols, rely on trained guides, and use appropriate diving gear designed for deep-water exploration.
The incident has drawn attention to the Red Sea’s underwater environment, which hosts a wide array of marine life and vibrant coral ecosystems. Fury Shoal remains a popular site for divers, offering an opportunity to witness a diverse assortment of sea creatures in their natural habitat. While encounters with sharks are a natural part of the diving experience, they are relatively rare and typically manageable when divers stay aware and prepared. This event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the ocean and the respect it demands from anyone who enters its depths.
What should you not do if you are attacked by a shark? Avoid sudden movements, keep the animal in sight, and slowly increase distance while protecting vital areas. Seek assistance from nearby dive companions or guides and ascend calmly to safety. These guidelines help many divers return to shore with a memorable but safe experience of the ocean’s wonders.