A scuba diving instructor in Egypt is facing accusations of inappropriate touching during a dive with a holidaymaker. The incident, captured on video, has ignited outrage and prompted a discussion about safety protocols within the adventure tourism industry.

Incident During Scuba Course

Rasha Mediene, a 31-year-old content creator and lifeguard from Los Angeles, California, experienced the disturbing incident while participating in a Euro 350 scuba diving course on March 1st. Mediene, observing Ramadan, had informed the instructor of her Muslim faith and declined a hug.

Escalating Contact Underwater

Initially, Mediene noted the instructor holding her hand, which she initially considered a normal part of the dive. However, she alleges the situation escalated when he touched her bottom and leg, causing her significant discomfort and alarm. She attempted to push him away, but he reportedly continued to grasp her legs, hindering her movement.

Vulnerability and Fear

Mediene described feeling particularly vulnerable underwater due to her unfamiliarity with the scuba equipment and being alone with the instructor. She was concerned about managing her oxygen supply and the potential dangers of deep-sea pressure. Despite her distress, she remained calm, attempting to handle the situation discreetly due to observing Ramadan.

Aftermath and Social Media Response

After the dive, the instructor allegedly offered Mediene a ride home, boasting about his car’s speed, which she declined. Reviewing her dive footage confirmed her suspicions, leading her to share the experience on social media. The video quickly went viral, garnering over three million views.

Instructor's Denial and Advocacy

The instructor contacted Mediene following the online attention, denying any inappropriate behavior, a response she found deeply unsettling. Mediene emphasizes she displayed no signs of flirtation and is now advocating for thorough research of scuba diving operators and, when possible, choosing female instructors.

Highlighting Power Imbalance and Safety

Mediene highlights the power imbalance and vulnerability experienced when relying on an instructor for safety and guidance in an unfamiliar environment. She hopes her story will empower others to speak out against similar experiences and underscores the need for accountability and robust safeguards within the scuba diving industry.