Holidaymakers feared for their lives as a security motorboat repeatedly rammed their tourist vessel during a lagoon pursuit.
The glass-bottom boat, carrying up to 10 passengers, was trying to dock when the alleged attack began.
Shocked tourists clung on as the vessel was shoved off course time and again.
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A security official in the motorboat allegedly acted to stop the craft from reaching the jetty.
The drama unfolded at Zeytouna Beach in the upmarket El-Gouna resort on Egypt’s Red Sea coast on Thursday morning (13 August).
At least two Polish holidaymakers were among those on board the glass boat linked to a nearby hotel.
New beach owners had banned non-authorised access, sparking a dispute with the hotel operating the boat.
Witnesses described the security vessel methodically ramming the tourist craft to stop it reaching the jetty.
No injuries were reported.
Local prosecutors are investigating the incident.
Sources confirmed all parties were presented to the authorities to determine whether the tourists’ lives were endangered.
Officials are reviewing the viral video and taking statements from security staff, the boat crew and witnesses.
The restricted beach remains closed until Saturday.
El-Gouna management said the shutdown is for the removal of unauthorised structures in the area, as reported by Need To Know.
Authorities are expected to issue further statements once the probe advances.
El-Gouna is one of Egypt’s most exclusive Red Sea destinations, known for its lagoons and luxury hotels.
Tourists and operators are watching closely for any impact on the busy summer season.
“Under a directive from the Egyptian Shore Protection Authority (SPA), a government
agency which protects Egypt’s Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts from erosion, sea-level
rise, and climate change, Zaytoona Beach has been required to demolish and remove all
non-compliant installations along its beach, which had been installed without obtaining the
necessary permits from the relevant authorities.
“In keeping with our standard process for such matters, the relevant parties were formally
notified and given a grace period for removals. Only after this grace period passed did El
Gouna Red Sea proceed with a small number of removals to ensure our compliance with the
laws and decisions of the SPA directive.
“This directive was issued to several hotels along the coast, including partner hotels with El
Gouna itself, which, except for Zaytouna Beach, immediately complied with the directive and
fully removed all non-compliant installations under its responsibility.
“As a result, Zaytouna Beach was required to close from Thursday, August 13 to Saturday,
August 15, 2026, now extended to August 18, 2026. This was done to comply with the
directive and ensure the safe removal of all structures installed without obtaining the
necessary permits.
“We are grateful to our community for their support in complying with the directive and to the
authorities and our security teams for intervening and protecting our community.
“As always, the safety of everyone who uses our beaches remains our absolute priority.”
