Shark Attack Off Hadera Coast: Remains Recovered as Search Intensifies for Missing Diver

HADERA, ISRAEL — In a tragic and chilling incident that has stunned the nation, Israeli rescue teams on Tuesday recovered human remains near the Hadera coastline, a day after a man was reportedly attacked by sharks while diving near the Hadera Stream estuary.

The missing individual, a man in his 40s from Petah Tikva, is a married father of four. According to Kan News, he had just completed a workday in northern Israel and decided to stop and fish at the river mouth on his way home. In a phone call with a friend, he mentioned his plan to fish before he disappeared.

His belongings and truck were later discovered on the beach, prompting authorities to launch an intensive search operation. Police officers arrived at his home to notify the family.

On Monday afternoon, emergency services received a disturbing report from Hadera Beach that a diver had been bitten by sharks. Dramatic footage from the scene captured the panic as a bystander screamed, “There’s someone here with a shark, he’s screaming for help—try to save him!”

Another eyewitness recalled: “I saw the diver in deep water, yelling ‘They bit me, they bit me’ and waving his arms. A few minutes later, the sharks bit him again—and he vanished.”

Multiple units continue to comb the area for additional remains. The Israel Navy, Maritime Police, and Fire and Rescue Authority’s elite Lahav Unit are leading the effort, supported by professional divers and specialized equipment.

A situational assessment held at the scene determined the man had likely been fishing underwater with a belt holding his catch. Authorities believe the fish attracted nearby sharks, triggering the fatal attack.

The waters off the coast of Hadera, particularly near the power station, are known for their elevated temperatures—conditions that regularly draw sharks to the area. Despite this, the attack is a rare and alarming event.

As a precaution, beaches in Hadera, Mikhmoret, Beit Yanai, and Neurim have been closed to swimmers until further safety evaluations are completed.

The remains discovered Tuesday have been transferred to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for examination.

צילומים דרמטיים מרגע תקיפת כריש בחדרה, ישראל.

בחופי חדרה יש תחנת כוח ולכן המים שם חמים יותר, מה שמושך כרישים בין שאר הדגים#Shark #SharkAttack #Israel #Hadera pic.twitter.com/hqGwwmYLwg

— עכשיו (@HadashotAhshav) April 21, 2025