just came out

Es ist noch nicht sicher, aber hoffentich können wir morgen wieder auch die Locale Tauchplätze tauchen.;)

CDWS statement update (3 December 2010 14:00): CDWS membrs and staff conduct exploratory dives along Sharm el Sheikh coast.

On Thursday 2 December two sharks were caught by the South Sinai National Park on the Sharm el Sheikh coast. The National Park is currently studying the results of an autopsy and a detailed study of photographic evidence. No further details have been provided by the South Sinai National Park, headed by Dr Mohammed Salem, with regards to this operation or reasons why the animals could not be relocated to remote waters as was previously suggested.

Recent reports from doctors in Cairo indicate that the condition of the three injured snorkelers – two females from Russia and one male from the Ukraine – remains unchanged. One of the victims is still in a critical condition.

Late on 2 December the Ministry of Tourism ordered the closure of all beaches and dive sites along the Sharm el Sheikh coastline, with the exception of Ras Mohamed National park on Friday 3 December.

CDWS has monitored the situation closely and will continue to work with shark experts and authorities to determine why the three attacks happened. CDWS chairman Hesham Gabrhighlighting is echoing his previous statement that people should remain calm and that this was an extremely rare incident.

CDWS would like to clearly state that as an organisation it does not wish to see any harm to any further sharks. Therefore, Hesham Gabrhighlighting acquired the approval of both the Minister of Tourism and the Governor of South Sinai to allow exploratory dives to take place today, Friday 3 December, where photographic evidence and details of any sightings can be recorded and reported back to the Ministry of Tourism.

At this time, six groups are currently in the water, each with two photographers, monitoring an area from Near Garden, Naama Bay to Ras Nasrani, Nabq. It is hoped that as a result of these exploratory dives, CDWS will report the dive sites safe and advise the Ministry of Tourism to declare the area open to divers, snorkelers and bathers tomorrow, Saturday 4 December.

Mr Gabr: ‘This incident has clearly shocked our community and the CDWS is continuing its investigation into why this may have happened. It is clear from our initial discussions with shark behavioural experts that this highly unusual spate of attacks by an oceanic white tip shark was triggered by an activity, most probably illegal fishing or feeding in the area. Once again, our thoughts go out the victims and their families at this time.’

-ends-

Hope we can dive tomorrow the local dive sites as well.

Angel