Egyptian authorities yesterday announced the closure of Al-Nakheel beach in Alexandria after 20 people drowned this summer, the Anadolu Agency reported.

Al-Nakheet has been knowns as the “death beach” as a result of the number of people who have been killed at its shore. Whirlpools and large waves are said to have been to blame for the deaths.

Alexandria Governor Mohamed Sultan said that a committee from the Egyptian Public Authority for Shore Protection would be sent to check the beach and the sea barriers and take the required action to protect citizens.

Last month, Egypt announced that it was to set up beaches which can only be used by tourists in Alexandria in an effort to encourage visitors and make them feel more “comfortable”.

READ: Egypt’s Alexandria to set up tourist only beaches