14-6-2023 (CAIRO) Museum specialists in Egypt have embarked on the extraordinary task of mummifying the shark responsible for the brutal attack on a Russian man at a popular beach resort, with the intention of putting the monstrous predator on display.
According to local outlet Al Arabiya, specialists from the Institute of Marine Sciences and the Red Sea Reserves initiated the embalming process of the shark on Monday. Once completed, the mummified shark will find its place in the museum of the institute.
The discovery of body parts belonging to the victim, Vladimir Popov, inside the shark confirmed that they had captured the predator involved in the attack near the Elysees Dream Beach Hotel on Thursday. Horrifying video footage of the incident captured Popov, 23, thrashing desperately in the ocean before being dragged beneath the water’s surface, prompting cries for help from horrified onlookers.
Museum specialists extracted Popov’s head, chest, and arms—comprising half of his body—from inside the shark. Fishermen later discovered the remaining half of his remains at sea. The shark had consumed almost the entire body but abandoned the second half upon noticing a nearby fishing boat attempting to approach the scene and aid the man. The fishermen managed to retrieve the lower half of Popov’s body from the water and pursued the shark, successfully capturing it for further analysis and dissection by specialists in Hurghada.
Authorities hope that by studying the captured shark, they can devise strategies to prevent similar attacks on beachgoers. Governor of the Red Sea, Major General Amr Hanafi, is reportedly exploring the installation of nets at beaches, hotels, and tourist villages to create a barrier and deter sharks from reaching swimmers.
Initial reports identified Popov as a Russian tourist, but Russia’s consul general in Hurghada clarified that Popov had been residing in Egypt for several months. Popov’s girlfriend, who was with him at the time of the attack, managed to escape unharmed despite the futile attempts of bystanders to save him.
The victim’s father revealed that the couple had gone to the beach for relaxation when the sudden shark attack occurred, leaving his son fatally wounded. The incident left beachgoers in shock, and some attempted to bludgeon the shark to death after a fisherman brought it ashore. Disturbing footage of the scene captured the group’s brutal assault on the animal, culminating in the cameraman shamelessly posing for a selfie as the savage scene unfolded in the background.
It remains uncertain whether the shark responsible for Popov’s attack had been involved in any previous incidents in the area.
