Warning: This article contains graphic commentary regarding a shark attack that some readers may find distressing.
The final words of a man who fell victim to a shark attack in Northern Israel have been disclosed.
This tragic event occurred on Hadera beach on Monday (April 21), while residents were soaking up the 27°C weather in that region of Israel.
Spectators observed a man struggling in the water near the Orot Rabin power station, a sight that quickly turned bloody.
A frantic search and rescue operation was initiated shortly after the terrifying incident was reported. The Coastal Department confirmed that officers were actively patrolling the vicinity to recover the victim’s body.
Cmdr. Aryeh Doron, a spokesperson for the Israeli police, released an initial statement on Monday. The last words of the man attacked by a shark have been revealed (Amir Levy/Getty Images).
“A short time ago, police officers from the Hadera station were dispatched following a report from citizens who claimed to have seen a shark attacking a diver in the water,” Doron stated.
“We will continue to update according to developments. We call on the public travelling in the area to avoid entering the water and coming into contact with the sharks.”
Witnesses, in a panic, contacted emergency services during the incident. One person recalled hearing the man scream ‘help’ and ‘they’re biting me’ before disappearing from sight.
“There’s someone here that a shark has bitten. He’s screaming, ‘Help!’ He’s in the sea at Hadera. He’s drowning,” another person on the beach told emergency services.
“He’s in the sea. Nobody’s coming to save him,” added the onlooker.
In a chilling recording of the incident, a man provided live commentary, telling viewers: “Wow, wow, he’s with the shark, he’s fighting him.”
A subsequent update on Tuesday (April 22) mentioned that a body had been found.
“We are on the second day of searches and are using every available resource. The police commissioner has directed all forces to assist. Several findings have been sent for testing, and we await the results,” Cmdr. Aryeh Doron added.
“We are committed to doing everything we can to bring closure to the family and will continue our efforts until the missing man is located.”
The Israel Nature and Parks Authority has since issued a caution to those visiting its Mediterranean coast.
“The Authority reiterates its warning against interacting with sharks and once again calls on the public to avoid approaching them, as they are protected animals,” the Israeli government agency wrote.