Chinese Embassy in Egypt warns of security risks

The Chinese embassy in Egypt says four Chinese university students have drowned while swimming in the northwest of the country.

The two newly-married couples, who were studying at universities in Cairo, drowned on Friday at the coastal city of Marsa Matruh. They were swimming in the sea before strong winds caused big waves. Two Egyptian couples also drowned when swimming at nearby beaches.

Accidents such as shipwrecks and drownings occur frequently at tourist spots in Egypt due to lack of supervision and incomplete facilities. Last year, 24 people drowned during Sham el-Nessim, Egypt's spring holiday.

The Chinese embassy in Egypt has warned all Chinese in the country to be mindful of their safety, and not to swim in the Mediterranean during times of strong winds.