In recent weeks, several sharks have been spotted off the coast of Beit Yanai, near the mouth of the Alexander River. On Monday afternoon, rescue teams and police were dispatched to the area following reports from multiple eyewitnesses of a shark attacking a diver.
As a result, the official in charge of beach operations at the Interior Ministry instructed the Emek Hefer Regional Council to close all swimming beaches within its jurisdiction.
Watch emergency services footage:
Rescue units at the scene | Credit: United Hatzalah Media Unit
Search Underway with Helicopters and Advanced Equipment
Dror Gilat, Deputy Commander of the IDF’s Diving Unit, arrived at the scene and stated: “Emergency and rescue forces are conducting searches with the help of boats and helicopters in hopes of locating the diver as quickly as possible, ideally before nightfall.”
Roi Liberman, Commander of the ZAKA Diving Unit, also arrived quickly at the scene. “Immediately upon receiving the report of the serious incident in Hadera, our unit went into readiness to assist the Israel Police and the Lahav 433 rescue unit if needed,” he said. “The unit is equipped with advanced gear, including boats and specialized technology that enables underwater scans and rapid, large-area searches.”
Typically Not Dangerous, but Keep Your Distance
Every year, dozens of sharks gather in the shallow waters near the Orot Rabin power station. They are most commonly seen between November and May. While the exact reason for the phenomenon remains unclear, one leading theory is that the sharks are drawn to the warmer waters discharged by the station.
Experts emphasize that the sharks’ presence is likely connected to a recent die-off of fish in the area and that they do not pose a threat to the public. However, they strongly advise maintaining a safe distance and avoiding any physical contact with the animals.
According to data from the International Shark Attack File (ISAF) maintained by the Florida Museum of Natural History, an average of around 70 people are injured each year worldwide due to shark bites. In 2024, approximately 47 people were injured globally as a result of shark attacks.
Following Shark Attack in Hadera: Herzliya Raises Beach Alert
In the wake of the reported shark attack on a diver off the coast of Hadera and recent shark sightings off the shores of Emek Hefer, the city of Herzliya has announced heightened alert at its beaches. Although no sharks have been spotted in the Herzliya area, lifeguards and beach patrols have been instructed to conduct ongoing scans of the water.
Herzliya Mayor Yariv Fisher urged the public to remain vigilant: “We ask all swimmers to follow lifeguards’ instructions. If there is any suspicion or concern, please exit the water immediately and notify the lifeguards”.
