Hadera, Israel – A swimmer remains missing after a rare shark attack occurred off the coast of northern Israel on Monday. The incident took place at Olga Beach in Hadera, approximately 25 miles north of Tel Aviv. Witnesses at the scene captured the shocking event on social media as onlookers screamed in alarm.
Sharks frequently congregate in the area near the local power plant due to the warm water discharged into the sea. Typically, these sharks are harmless, but the situation took a deadly turn during this particular encounter. Since the establishment of Israel in 1948, there have been no recorded fatal shark attacks in the country’s waters.
Following the attack, authorities took immediate action by closing the beach and initiating a search for the missing swimmer. Eye-witnesses, such as Eliya Motai, recounted the horrifying experience, describing the chaos and blood in the water. The witness detailed how sharks were circling the area just the day before, creating a sense of fear among beachgoers.
Dusky and sandbar sharks are known to frequent the region near the Orot Rabin power station, the largest in Israel. The sharks are attracted to the warm waters generated by the plant and the abundance of fish in the area. This incident marks only the fourth documented shark attack in Israel’s history, as reported by YNet.
The community is left shaken by this rare and tragic event, prompting a reevaluation of safety measures in the area. Authorities are working diligently to locate the missing swimmer and ensure the well-being of beach visitors going forward. The shark attack serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable dangers lurking in the waters off the coast of Israel.