Man Missing After Rare Shark Attack in Israel

A swimmer has gone missing after an extremely rare and harrowing shark attack off the coast of northern Israel, sending shockwaves through the local community and raising alarm over an area usually known for its calm, warm waters.

The incident occurred on Monday near Olga Beach in Hadera, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Tel Aviv. Witnesses on the beach described the scene as chaotic and terrifying, with video footage circulating on social media capturing frantic screams and shocked reactions as the swimmer appeared to struggle far out at sea.

A Shocking and Unprecedented Event

“I was in the water, I saw blood and there were screams,” Eliya Motai, an eyewitness, told Ynet. “It’s terrifying. We were here yesterday and saw the sharks circling us.”

Authorities have closed the beach as Israeli police and rescue teams launch a large-scale search operation for the missing man. Despite the presence of sharks in the area, experts emphasize that shark attacks in Israel are almost unheard of.

According to local reports, this is only the fourth documented shark attack in Israeli waters and the first potential fatality since the country’s founding in 1948. Prior to this, no deadly shark incidents had ever been recorded in Israeli history.

Why Do Sharks Gather in Hadera?

Marine biologists note that dusky and sandbar sharks are known to frequent the waters off Hadera, particularly near the Orot Rabin power station, Israel’s largest electricity-generating plant. The warm water discharged by the plant and the abundance of fish drawn in from a nearby stream make it an ideal environment for these predators.

While these species are typically not aggressive toward humans, the congregation of both fish and sharks in close proximity to swimmers increases the risk of rare interactions.

Community Shaken, Authorities on High Alert

In the wake of the attack, the Israeli public and tourists alike have been urged to exercise caution, especially near power station outflows and known shark aggregation zones.

“This tragic incident is a stark reminder that nature can be unpredictable,” said a spokesperson from Israel’s Nature and Parks Authority. “We are working closely with marine experts to better understand what may have triggered this event.”

Local authorities have yet to release the identity of the missing swimmer. The search continues with divers, drones, and rescue boats combing the coastline in hopes of locating the man or any evidence that might help explain what transpired.

As Israel reels from this rare marine tragedy, many are calling for greater public awareness, enhanced monitoring, and clearer safety guidelines for swimming in areas known for shark activity.