Swimmer, 69, mauled by killer tiger shark in quadruple attack fought off beast by jabbing fingers into it’s eyes

A RETIRED dentist has fought off a savage tiger shark by jabbing it in the eye after witnessing the beast maul another man to death in front of him.

Peppino Fappani, 69, was swimming at the five-star Sataya Marsa Alam resort in Egypt when the horror encounter unfolded.

Portrait of a man with his arms crossed, wearing a white shirt and dark blue sweater vest; his right hand is bandaged.
Peppino Fappani, 69, was managed to fight off a shark by jabbing it in the eyeCredit: Foto Francesco Sessa – Cremona
Man with bandaged hand at press conference.
Fappani suffered severe injuries to his right leg, hand and arm and required dozens of stitchesCredit: Foto Francesco Sessa – Cremona
Shirtless man smiling on a beach.
Gianluca Di Gioia, 48, died after he was attacked by a shark off the coast of EgyptCredit: Facebook
Map showing location of shark attack off coast of Egypt near Marsa Alam resort.

 EU diplomat Gianluca Di Gioia was snorkelling close to the shoreline when he was attacked by the shark.

The 48-year-old tragically died from his bite wounds despite Fappani’s heroics in trying to save him.

The brave Italian rushed to help Di Gioia while holding onto a buoy on December 29.

Describing the events he said: “I saw the wife, who was yelling and coming toward the dock.

“I didn’t understand what was happening, but I was the closest one.”

As he swam closer, the shark launched its terrifying attack and fatally struck Di Gioia.

“I was about five metres from him, and then, ‘Bam!’ …and the attack was devastating,” he told The Telegraph.

The shark then turned on Mr Fappani, who recalled advice from a guide about targeting the beast’s eyes.

“I was able to stick my middle finger hard in his left eye three times, causing him pain. But he kept coming back,” he said.

During a fourth lunging attack, employees from the dive centre arrived with a rubber dinghy and tried to pull him aboard.

Fisherman, 40, mauled to death by shark that bit him on neck in horror attack

“He grabbed onto my right leg and wouldn’t let me be pulled up. That shark wanted to kill me,” Mr. Fappani said.

The diving staff repeatedly struck the shark with an iron bar until it let go.

The retired dentist believes the shark was a tiger shark, though authorities have identified it as a mako shortfin.

“I saw it up close as it was under me, and in my opinion, it was a tiger shark,” he said.

Mr Fappani suffered severe injuries to his right leg, hand, and arm, requiring dozens of stitches.

He is now recovering in his hometown of Soncino, northern Italy.

“My vacation was cut tragically short, but I survived. I am just very sorry for Gianluca Di Gioia, who didn’t make it,” he said.

Mr Di Gioia was also pulled from the water but succumbed to his injuries.

Fappani said: “My vacation was cut tragically short, but I survived. I am just very sorry for Gianluca Di Gioia, who didn’t make it.”

Egyptian authorities have launched an inquiry into the attack.

The diplomat was said to have gone beyond the allocated swimming zone according to officials, but Mr. Fappani disputes this, stating that the group was actually within the safe boundaries. He also highlighted the absence of any anti-shark nets in the vicinity.

The Red Sea has long been a popular locations for tourists looking to dive among marine life.

But this is not the first deadly shark attack to hit the region.

One tourist was mauled to death by a pregnant tiger shark in Egypt on June 9, 2023.

Vladimir Popov, 23, was dragged into the water and savaged by the 10ft-long beast in Hurghada, north of Marsa Alam.

He screamed “papa” as his father Yury Popov watched helplessly from the shore.

The beast was said to have torn his head off and separated body parts which were retrieved from the sea.

His father later met with Egyptian officials who agreed to release Vladimir’s remains so his family could hold a funeral in Russia.

Man sitting in shallow ocean water.
Di Gioia was an EU diplomat who had been snorkelling on holiday with his wife at the time of the fatal attack
Tropical beach with palm trees and lounge chairs.
The incident happened off the coast of the Marsa Alam resor
You May Also Like

United Airlines aircraft catches fire ‘after colliding with RABBIT’ while frightened passengers cry out for assistance.

Reports indicate that a rabbit managed to cause a commotion during a…

Caysen Allison Murder Trial: Witnesses Claim Teen Accused of Killing Classmate in Bathroom was Unwilling to Fight

Witnesses who were once enrolled at Belton High School recalled during the…

Martin Freeman, aged 53, provides a glimpse into his romantic bond with his partner, French actress Rachel Benaissa, aged 30, by sharing a special activity they enjoy together.

Martin Freeman has shared a rare insight into his relationship with French actress…

Holly Willoughby’s company owes £377,000 in taxes, High Court is told

Holly Willoughby’s media company that she set up with her producer husband…

Unmasking the Mind of a Serial Killer: Aeman Presley’s Terrifying Pursuit

This podcast series is divided into three parts and focuses on delving…

Hitmen in Rome execute Chinese Triad leader and his wife in a hail of bullets

A CHINESE Triad crimelord and his wife have been shot dead in…

Police uncover emotional handwritten notes expressing Gene Hackman’s unwavering love for his wife Betsy in recently discovered photos.

Handwritten notes found at Gene Hackman’s residence have unveiled the deep affection…

Powerful solar storm approaching shortly, expected to cause widespread blackouts worldwide

A massive solar storm due to hit Earth today could cause radio…

Tourist Flattened by Bouncer in Shocking Video Outside Thai Bar

JAW-DROPPING footage shows the moment a swaggering tourist gets flattened by a…

Intense moment: Kamikaze drones from Ukraine hit Russian missile unit linked to Putin’s Sumy attack, resulting in the death of 34 people

THIS is the dramatic moment Ukraine uses their kamikaze drones to destroy…

Labour minister declines to clarify rules on access to female-only spaces for trans women following court ruling questioning their classification as women

A BUNGLING Health Minister today could not answer which changing rooms a…

George Clooney shares his unexpected pick for the next Democratic leader after causing a stir in the party

George Clooney believes Maryland Governor Wes Moore is a ‘proper leader’ who…