WATCH: Shark attacks diver in Hadera

For the first time in Israel (at least as far as we know), sharks in the Mediterranean Sea have attacked and possibly killed a swimmer/diver.

This rare incident occurred in the last hour off the coast of Hadera, near Fishermen’s Beach and the Hadera River estuary, an area known for the presence of sharks due to the relatively warm waters at the estuary compared to the open sea.

It appears that a diver fishing for fish attracted the sharks with the smell of blood.

Video footage captured a bystander shouting, "Someone's out there with a shark, yelling for help: Please save him!"

Rescue forces are on scene, assisted by a helicopter currently searching for the diver.

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority has been dispatched to the beaches in Hadera.

Entry into the water from Netanya to Nahsholim is currently prohibited until further notice.

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority Spokesperson made this statement:

An initial report was received about a person being injured by a shark in the Hadera River area, a zone where swimming is prohibited. Inspectors from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and the police are on their way to the scene to investigate and gather details of the incident."

The Authority reiterates the warning issued when the sharks arrived (which was recently reissued) cautioning against interacting with sharks and urging the public not to approach sharks, as they are protected animals (not to mention dangerous).

Apparently, videos of sharks swimming near Hadera beach have been circulating online for days, but police refused to close the area. The beach was finally shut down just hours ago.

There are unverified reports that the diver's equipment has been located, but searches as still underway to locate him.

ZAKA said, "In the past few hours, a report was received at ZAKA’s emergency hotline (1223) about a diver who was likely attacked by a shark off the coast of Hadera, with serious concerns for his life. Immediately upon receiving the report, ZAKA’s diving unit was alerted and placed on standby."

Dror Gilat, deputy commander of the diving unit, who is at the scene, added: “As soon as we got the report, I arrived at the location and joined security forces. We’re dealing with a diver who was injured by a shark and has since gone missing. Right now, emergency and rescue teams are conducting searches with the help of boats and helicopters to locate him. We’re hoping to find him as quickly as possible before nightfall, which would make the search and rescue efforts much more difficult.”

Roei Liberman, commander of ZAKA’s diving unit, said:“Upon receiving the report of this serious incident in Hadera, our unit is on high alert and is ready to assist Israel Police and the Lahava unit if needed. The unit is equipped with advanced gear, including boats and technological equipment that allows us to scan underwater conditions and conduct extensive searches in short timeframes.”