A Russian man was killed by a tiger shark while swimming at a crowded Egyptian beach on the Red Sea Thursday, Russian media reported.
A video circulating on social media shows the moments of the attack. The shark can be seen lunging at the victim and dragging him underwater while terrified onlookers scream in horror.
In the video, one onlooker can be heard saying "it's eating his remains now."
A number of people rushed to help the victim, but were unable to reach him in time.
Egypt's Environmental Ministry reported that the attack occurred near the Elysees Dream Beach hotel at the Hurghada resort. The ministry also stated that the tiger shark responsible for the attack had been caught and killed, and that the cause of the rare attack was under investigation.
Swimming has been banned at the beach until Sunday following the attack.
A witness described the attack to the Telegram channel Baza, saying: "The remains of this guy are over there. I’m shaking. Right in front of my eyes, the shark ate that guy. I think I need a drink. I feel really bad
The victim was identified as 23-year-old Russian citizen V. Popov. According to Russia’s consul general in Hurghada, Viktor Voropayev, Popov was not a tourist but had been living in Egypt for several years. Popov's father and girlfriend were with him at the beach at the time of the attack, the Daily Beast reported.
Tiger sharks are considered one of the three most dangerous shark species to humans, attaining sizes similar to the great white shark. Tiger sharks are responsible for 142 unprovoked attacks on humans, including 39 fatal attacks, according to the International Shark Attack File.
Shark attacks off of the Egyptian coast are rare. However, two female tourists were killed in shark attacks just days apart in Hurghada.
The following footage shows a fatal shark attack and may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.