Human remains have been found in the hunt for a missing diver after a shark attack unfolded in front of horrified beachgoers.
A huge search effort had been launched after the man disappeared in the water at Olga Beach in Hadera, central Israel yesterday. The Fire and Rescue Authority confirmed this afternoon that a body, believed to be that of the 40-year-old man, had been recovered. He was a married father of four, friends said. Beachgoers had reported seeing fins circling in the water in the hours before the incident, with footage shared online from the scene showing people screaming out in shock as the shark launched its attack on the diver. Searches on jet skis began shortly after, and police in Hadera’s Coastal District resumed their efforts early this morning.
Divers recovered the remains later this morning.
The man’s remains were then transferred to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Abu Kair for identification.
Efforts are continuing to confirm whether the remains found belong to the missing diver.
A statement from Israel Police said: “As you can see, we are now on the second day of searching. We are sparing absolutely no resources. The Police Commissioner has instructed us to deploy all available forces to assist with the search effort.
“Several findings have been sent for examination, and we are awaiting the results. Our primary goal is to bring closure to the family. We will continue our efforts until we locate the missing person.”
Deputy Fire Chief Doron Almashali said: “After a day and a half of intensive effort, we have found what appears to be part of the missing person. Naturally, these findings must undergo thorough examinations by the Israel Police and the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute.
“We will continue working to confirm that we have indeed found the missing individual. We conducted our search pattern based on careful analysis of underwater currents, and it was precisely in that area where the remains were discovered.
He added that fire service “sincerely hope we have indeed found the diver who was attacked by the sharks.”
The beach was closed by the police yesterday following the incident, and members of the public told the avoid entering the water.
Shark attacks are generally rare on Israel’s beaches, with the last recorded fatality coming back in 1948.
However, the sea mammals are known to inhabit the eastern stretch of the Mediterranean sea.
Footage reportedly taken at the same beach on Monday showed sharks swimming perilously close to children, who fled the water.
In another clip of the attack itself, a man is seen thrashing around in the sea before the water around him turns a dark red colour.
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