Warning: This article contains graphic commentary of the shark attack which some readers may find distressing.
A man’s body has been found following a shark attack off the coast of northwest Israel.
The incident occurred on Hadera beach yesterday (April 21) amidst temperatures of 80°F (27°C), prompting a swift search and rescue mission.
The Coastal Department confirmed that officers were actively patrolling the area to locate the victim’s body. Cmdr. Aryeh Doron, a spokesperson for the Israeli police, has now verified the discovery of the body.
Doron stated: “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.
“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 discovered remains have been transported to the National Centre of Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv for identification.
Prior to the attack, the shark was seen swimming among beachgoers, and shortly after, the tragic event was captured on video. The victim is believed to have been swimming near the Orot Rabin power station when the attack occurred.
The victim’s cries for help were recorded, with an individual calling emergency services to report the unfolding situation.
“There’s someone here that a shark has bitten. He’s screaming, ‘Help!’ He’s in the sea at Hadera. He’s drowning,” she reported.
“He’s in the sea. Nobody’s coming to save him.”
The operator then asked the caller if they could see the victim, to which the response was: “No, I can’t see him.”
Following the incident, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority issued a warning to those on its Mediterranean coast.
The agency stated: “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.”
A beachgoer told The Mirror that the victim was shouting, ‘They’re biting me,’ while waving his hands. Shortly after, the shark pulled him further out to sea.
In another recording, a man was reacting to the incident in real-time, saying: “Wow, wow, he’s with the shark, he’s fighting him.”
He later added: “They’re eating him, eating the man… Can’t see him.”