12:54 GMT
Sally Nabil
BBC Arabic correspondent, reporting from Egypt
Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption,
Last year a Russian national was killed by a shark in Hurghada.
While rescue and search operations continue in the Red Sea to
try and find those missing, people here in Hurghada, a famous tourist
destination, are worried about their livelihoods.
Such a tragic incident could have serious repercussions on the
tourism industry, a lifeline to an ailing Egyptian economy.
They are worried tourists might get discouraged to go on diving
trips, a popular activity here.
Winter is a busy season for Egyptian Red Sea resorts, known for
their sunny weather, clear waters and magnificent coral reefs and many European
tourists come here to dive.
When a boat, carrying more than 30 tourists, sinks off the coast
of a resort like Marsa Alam, you’d expect continuous news updates about the
rescue and search operations.
But the Egyptian authorities usually tread very cautiously when
releasing public statements regarding an incident, that might bring about
economic damage – the last thing Egypt needs at the moment.
This could be partly why officials prefer to give broad lines,
rather than go into specific details.
Besides, it’s the army in
charge here. The navy has been taking the lead in the rescue operations, so
that would mean an extra level of caution.