Fire and rescue teams along with special extraction unit soldiers launched an extensive search Sunday in the Jordan River near Maaleh Yesod in the Hula Valley after a boy capsized from a raft and contact was lost with him.
According to reports, the boy was rafting in the area with family members when he capsized. Rescue forces immediately began comprehensive search operations in the river, working alongside Israel Police and additional agencies.
Multiple fire and rescue teams from the Galilee-Golan district have been mobilized to the scene. Given the difficult terrain, specialized units from the national special extraction unit (LAHAV) were also deployed to assist in the search.
A police aerial unit helicopter was dispatched to the area, and police water rescue teams conducted intensive searches along the riverbanks and in the water itself.
Although the boy was located, and medical teams on site tried to resucitate him, he passed away.
United Hatzalah EMTs Yossi Amar and Shneor Zalman Navon reported:* "A 12-year-old boy was located and pulled from the water by the Golan Rescue Unit and brought to the banks of the Jordan River without signs of life. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the scene. United Hatzalah assisted in the search efforts with our drone unit, and our Psychotrauma and Crisis Response Unit provided emotional first aid at the scene due to the nature of the incident."
