The fishing grounds off Abu Qir, east of Alexandria, are deserted. In the area, the odour of fish still permeates the air, but there is very little activity. The smell hangs over the central fish market like a ghost. Fish trays lie empty and the restaurants are vacant.
Many fishermen pass away the time in coffee shops, glumly sipping tea.
Others lie next to their boats pensively waiting to go back out to sea. A visit to Abu Qir two weeks earlier would have produced a very different impression. The town is normally home to a thriving industry. Fish lovers and traders from far and wide flock to this small port and have done so for centuries. The sinking of the Syrian cargo ship Dalia II, almost a fortnight ago, now threatens this age old tradition.