A swimmer is currently missing following a shocking shark attack off the northern coast of Israel near Hadera. The incident took place on Monday, approximately 40km (25 miles) north of Tel Aviv, and was witnessed by beachgoers at nearby Olga Beach. Eyewitnesses captured the chaos on social media, with people yelling in disbelief as the attack occurred.
While sharks often visit this area due to warm water released by the Orot Rabin power station—Israel's largest—the presence of these sharks is typically harmless. Since Israel's founding in 1948, there have been no recorded fatal shark attacks in its waters.
Following the alarming incident, police have closed off access to the beach, initiating a search for the missing man. Eyewitness Eliya Motai described the horrifying scene, recounting the moment he saw blood and heard screams. "It's terrifying," he stated, recalling seeing sharks in the water just the day before.
According to reports, this marks only the fourth documented shark attack in Israel's history, highlighting how rare such events are in the region. As authorities continue their search, local residents and visitors remain on alert regarding the presence of sharks in the area.
