A swimmer is missing after an unusual shark attack in northern Israel, drawing attention due to the rarity of such incidents in the region. Witnesses describe chaotic scenes as onlookers attempted to assist.
Search Underway for Swimmer Missing After Shark Attack in Israel
Search Underway for Swimmer Missing After Shark Attack in Israel
Authorities ramp up rescue efforts after a rare shark attack in Hadera leaves one man unaccounted for.
A swimmer is currently missing following an extremely rare shark attack off the coast of Hadera, northern Israel, on Monday. The incident, which took place about 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Tel Aviv, was observed by beachgoers at Olga Beach who reacted with shock, as seen in footage circulating on social media.
During this time of year, the waters around Hadera typically attract sharks, drawn by warm water discharged from the adjacent Orot Rabin power station, but such attacks are uncommon. Since the establishment of Israel in 1948, there have been no fatal shark attacks recorded in its waters. Local authorities have since closed the beach and initiated a search and rescue operation for the missing individual.
Eyewitness Eliya Motai recounted the frightening experience, noting, “I was in the water, I saw blood and there were screams. It’s terrifying. We were here yesterday and saw the sharks circling us." In videos shared online, a man can be seen struggling in the water while people on the shore call out in horror.
The area is known to host dusky and sandbar sharks, which flock to the shores due to the warm water and the abundance of fish flowing from a nearby stream. This incident marks only the fourth documented shark attack in Israel’s history according to reports from YNet.
