Diving restrictions relaxed in Sharm

A temporary ban on entering the sea close to the Red Sea resort was imposed last week by the Chamber of Diving and Water Sports (CDWS), the regulatory body for diving in Egypt.

From Tuesday, divers that have completed at least 50 diving trips will be permitted to enter the water in the Straits of Tiran and at sites south of Naama Bay, including the Ras Mohammed National Park and the popular Thistlegorm site, although they must be on an excursion with a CDWS-approved operator.

Snorkelling and other water sports remain prohibited throughout the area, although glass bottom boat tours will be allowed to operate.

Reports suggest that a large number of tourists have left Sharm El Sheikh following the attacks, while Skyscanner, the price comparison website, has seen a 13 per cent drop in searches for flights to Egypt.

Sean Tipton from Abta, the travel association, said that tour operators had received calls from concerned holidaymakers due to travel.