Swimmer missing and feared dead after shark attack off Hadera Coast, All the details

Shark Attack Near Orot Rabin Power Station

Eyewitnesses reported seeing the diver flailing and calling out for help, shouting, "I'm bitten, I'm bitten," before the water turned red and the man disappeared. The attack took place near the Orot Rabin power station, an area where swimming is prohibited. Footage uploaded to social media shows a diver in distress, followed by chaos as horrified onlookers screamed and pointed toward the blood-stained sea.

Authorities, including Magen David Adom (MDA), Israeli police, and inspectors from the Nature and Parks Authority, rushed to the scene. Emergency responders are conducting a search by helicopter and jet ski, but as of now no body has been located.

A police spokesperson stated: "A short time ago, police officers from the Hadera station were dispatched following a report from citizens who claimed to have seen a shark attacking a diver in the water. We will continue to update according to developments. We call on the public travelling in the area to avoid entering the water and coming into contact with the sharks."

Shark Activity Draws Crowds Despite Warnings

Before the incident, sharks were spotted swimming in shallow water near bathers, with some individuals rushing to shore while others stayed to watch or even attempted to interact with the animals. Footage showed children and adults marveling at the sharks as they swam close to shore. Reports indicate that some swimmers have previously pulled sharks by their tails or attempted to "play" with them, despite warnings from lifeguards and authorities.

Marine biologist Dr. Adi Barash, head of the NGO Sharks in Israel and a member of the IUCN Shark Experts Group, criticized the public’s behavior: “In addition to the fact that the conditions of the sea, including the depth and currents in the water, were not suitable for swimming, a large number of people came to the area, which created gatherings around the sharks — something that should not happen and could lead to attacks.”

Barash noted: “Sharks are not naturally aggressive toward humans. There is really no reason to be afraid of them, but it is important to remember that this is a wild animal in its natural environment, and provoking a shark may cause it to defend itself. In general, there is no reason for a shark to attack you, unless you approach it, grab its tail or fins, or disturb it in some way. A shark is a large animal that you should not approach.”

Environmental Factors and Shark Migration

Experts have cited environmental factors as a possible reason for the unusual shark behavior near the Hadera coastline. Dusky and sandbar sharks, which are not normally dangerous to humans, are known to frequent the area between November and May due to the warm water discharged from the Orot Rabin power plant. The warm discharge from the turbines creates an inviting environment for sharks and rays, attracting them in large numbers each winter.

According to Dr. Barash, recent heat waves and associated marine die-offs may have intensified the presence of sharks. “Due to recent heat waves, a large number of fish have died because they couldn’t adapt to the extreme changes in water temperature. That, in turn, attracts sharks. Additionally, the sharks’ roaming area is expanding, so they’re migrating along the Israeli coastline rather than concentrating in specific areas,” he explained.

The scientific director of EcoOcean, Itamar Avishai, confirmed this connection: “Sharks, which are found in the area every winter, have apparently reached the Caesarea and Hadera areas following a fish mortality event at the mouth of the Alexander River. It is important to note that such a case as occurred in Hadera is rare, even on a global scale.”

Calls for Regulation and Safety Measures

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel has long urged the government to regulate human activity in areas known for shark congregation. In a statement, the organization said: “Every winter, a unique phenomenon occurs in Israel in which sharks and rays gather at the outlet of the warm waters of the power stations. In the case of such a fascinating and public-attracting phenomenon, it would be appropriate to take conservation and safety measures for the public, but over the years, chaos has developed in the area.”

Public Reaction and Continuing Search

The attack has shocked the Israeli public, with many expressing concern over the lack of enforcement around known shark gathering zones. Witnesses described panic and disbelief as the incident unfolded. The attack comes just 2 days after sharks were spotted of the Beit Yanai shore in Northern Tel Aviv. The witness, Yehuda Zimbris, a local resident, said: “Suddenly, I noticed two shadows in the water. I started filming them and realized they were sharks. They came within 50 to 100 meters of the shore, which caused panic among most of the swimmers. Still, some people tried to approach them despite the lifeguard’s clear instructions to get out of the water.”

Authorities have since closed the beach to swimmers and are continuing their search for the missing diver. The Nature and Parks Authority reiterated its warning to the public: “Avoid interacting with sharks. They are protected animals.”

Despite the rarity of such attacks, only 50 shark attacks have been recorded in the Mediterranean since 1900, with just 11 fatal, this incident underscores the need for greater awareness and caution in areas where marine wildlife gathers.