A video has surfaced online showing a shark swimming past beachgoers just moments before a swimmer appeared to be attacked.
The incident occurred at Hadera Beach in northwest Israel on April 21, as temperatures reached 80°F (27°C). Authorities have since issued a warning to local residents.
While the shark was seen swimming near beachgoers, a horrific attack was captured moments later on camera by the Orot Rabin power station, with the victim’s desperate cries for help recorded on video.
In the footage, a bystander called emergency services, describing the unfolding trauma.
“There’s someone here who’s been bitten by a shark. He’s screaming, ‘Help!’ He’s in the sea at Hadera. He’s drowning,” she said.
“He’s in the water. No one is coming to help him.”
The operator then asked the woman whether they had eyes on him, to which she replied: “No, I can’t see him.”
The man is still missing.
In response, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority has issued a warning to beachgoers along its Mediterranean coast.
The agency stated: “The Authority reiterates its warning against interacting with sharks and once again urges the public to avoid approaching them, as they are protected animals.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the local police force provided the following statement yesterday: “A short time ago, officers from the Hadera station were dispatched after receiving reports from citizens who claimed to have witnessed a shark attacking a diver in the water.”
A shark swam past beachgoers in terrifying scenes (X)
“We will continue to provide updates as the situation develops. We urge the public traveling in the area to avoid entering the water and coming into contact with the sharks.”
The Coastal Department for Hadera has confirmed that officers are patrolling the area in an effort to recover the body of the victim, who has not yet been identified.
Meanwhile, a beachgoer told The Mirror that the victim was shouting, “They’re biting me,” while waving his hands in the air. Shortly after, the shark dragged him further out to sea.
In another recording, one man was reacting live to the incident, telling viewers: “Wow, wow, he’s with the shark, he’s fighting him.”
