Oceanic whitetip sharks in the Red Sea: what divers should know

Mainly at the offshore marine parks reached by liveaboard — the Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone. We say 'a chance' rather than a promise: they are wild animals.

HEPCA's advice for divers (as published in 2010) includes:

• Feeding or baiting sharks is illegal in the Egyptian Red Sea — don't enter the water if it's happening nearby.
• Only enter if you're comfortable and can stay calm.
• Sharks are generally more hesitant to approach groups of divers than individuals.
• Avoid sudden, jerky movements; leave the water calmly and in order.
• Avoid rapid ascents, especially with a shark below you.
• You're most vulnerable at the surface — descend promptly after entering.
• Stay near the reef rather than in open water.
• Don't touch or harass sharks or block their way out.
• A calmly circling shark isn't a cause for alarm — turn with it and keep it in sight.
• Keep looking around: sharks may approach from behind, below or above.

HEPCA has called letting guests snorkel at St John's and other far islands while oceanic whitetips are present 'highly unprofessional', because it puts guests at risk.

The IUCN moved the species from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered in 2019, citing steep population declines in all oceans — more than 90% over three generations in some regions. Fishing is the main pressure. Seeing one in the Red Sea is a privilege worth protecting.