In brief
A shocking and rare shark attack off the coast of northern Israel has left a swimmer missing, leading to the closure of local beaches and a significant search operation. Witnesses reported a terrifying scene as onlookers filmed the event.
A swimmer is missing after an extraordinarily rare shark attack occurred off Hadera's coast in northern Israel on Monday. The incident took place approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Tel Aviv in waters known for warm currents released by the nearby Orot Rabin power station. Eyewitnesses at Olga Beach captured the moment on video, revealing their shock as they yelled warnings about the unfolding tragedy.Historically, Israel has not accounted for any fatal shark attacks since the establishment of the state in 1948. The waters around Hadera are frequented by sharks, particularly dusky and sanbar species that are drawn in by the thermal discharge from the power facility, along with fish that migrate from an adjacent stream.Witness Eliya Motai described a chilling experience, sharing, "I was in the water, I saw blood and there were screams. I was a few meters from shore. It’s terrifying. We were here yesterday and saw the sharks circling us." The recent shark incident is only documented as the fourth of its kind in Israel's history, according to reports from YNet. In response to the attack, local authorities have closed off the beach and initiated a search and rescue mission for the missing individual.
