The attack unfolded at Israel’s Olga Beach on Easter Monday (April 21)
Rare Shark Attack in Israel Leaves Swimmer Feared Dead, Beach Closed
An extremely rare and tragic shark attack occurred in Israel on Monday, April 21, leaving one man feared dead after he was pulled underwater by multiple sharks off Olga Beach, near the city of Hadera. The beach, situated next to Israel’s largest power station, is known for attracting various shark species due to its warm waters and abundant fish population.
The unidentified victim was seen waving his hands and screaming “help” and “they’re biting me” as horrified beachgoers looked on in shock. Footage captured by witnesses shows a shark calmly circling several paddlers before turning aggressive and attacking the swimmer.
Sandbar and dusky sharks are known to frequent this stretch of coastline, drawn by the warm currents from a nearby stream. Despite their presence, shark attacks in Israel are incredibly rare — this marks only the fourth such incident in the nation’s recorded history.
⚡️BREAKING:
— Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) April 21, 2025
A shark attack was reported off Olga Beach in Hadera, Israel, with initial reports of one Israeli dead.
Footage shows the shark moments before the attack, as swimmers were observing it and attempting to pet it. pic.twitter.com/TshesumwW2
One witness told emergency services: “There’s someone here that a shark has bitten. He’s screaming ‘Help!’ … He’s in the sea at Hadera. He’s drowning. Nobody’s coming to save him.”
In another video, a bystander can be heard exclaiming in terror: “Wow, wow, he’s with the shark, he’s fighting him. They’re eating him, eating the man… Can’t see him.”
Authorities believe the man was dragged out to sea by several sharks. His belongings were later found abandoned on the sand. A rescue operation was launched, but one of the divers was reportedly also attacked during the search.
A shark swims around the Olga Beach shallows (X)
One witness told emergency services: “There’s someone here that a shark has bitten. He’s screaming ‘Help!’ … He’s in the sea at Hadera. He’s drowning. Nobody’s coming to save him.”
In another video, a bystander can be heard exclaiming in terror: “Wow, wow, he’s with the shark, he’s fighting him. They’re eating him, eating the man… Can’t see him.”
Authorities believe the man was dragged out to sea by several sharks. His belongings were later found abandoned on the sand. A rescue operation was launched, but one of the divers was reportedly also attacked during the search.
Following the incident, Olga Beach has been closed to the public until further notice. Notably, the area was already a prohibited swimming zone. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority issued a renewed warning, stating:
“The Authority reiterates its warning against interacting with sharks and once again calls on the public to avoid approaching them, as they are protected animals.”
Police confirmed their involvement, with a spokesperson saying:
“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.”
Second Shark Attack Reported in the Caribbean
The attack in Israel follows a shocking incident in the Turks and Caicos Islands, where a Canadian tourist had her hands severely injured — reportedly bitten off — while trying to take a photo of a shark.
Following the attack, local authorities issued a strong advisory to beachgoers and tourists, urging caution around marine wildlife.
A statement from the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) read:
“The DECR would like to urge the public to always be aware of your surroundings, follow local advisories, and respect marine life. Swim in designated areas, avoid murky waters, never swim alone, and do not attempt to feed marine wildlife under any circumstances.”
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