Egypt reveals details of death of Ukrainian ex-spy chief

The Egyptian public prosecutor has revealed details of the drowning of the former Ukrainian foreign intelligence service head, Viktor Hvozd, in Sinai.

In a statement, he said that the Public Prosecution received a report from Dahab Central Hospital in South Sinai on Friday, stating that it had received the drowned body.

He also stated that a friend of Hvozd, who was accompanied by him during their dive, said that he was surprised by the deceased ascending to the surface of the water at an excessive speed. He tried to stop him in fear for his life but did not succeed, adding that when they reached the surface Hvozd removed his respirator and was still alive. Though he and another diver managed to get him ashore, Hvozd died after being transported to the hospital.

He confirmed that he did not accuse anyone of the death and that he was not under any criminal suspicion.

The attorney general’s statement said that the prosecution has investigated the friend of the deceased and the owner of the diving center whose equipment Hvozd used on the day of the incident, and the trainer who was accompanying them.

The Public Prosecution did not notice any apparent injuries on the body, and found blueness in his neck and face, secretions from his mouth, and red spots on his feet and back.

The statement said that the prosecution notified the Ukrainian Embassy of the incident and asked them to send an official representative to join the investigation.

Hvozd had been living in Dahab, in South Sinai, for some time.