• A swimmer has been confirmed dead following a rare shark attack off the coast of Israel.
• The victim has been identified as Barak Tzach, a man in his 40s and a father of four.
• The attack occurred near Hadera, an area popular with beachgoers and known for its shark population.

A swimmer is missing after an attack by a shark off the coast of Hadera, Israel, which has led to a significant search operation by the police. Witnesses reported the shocking incident, where a man was seen flailing in the water as beachgoers shouted for help. This area is historically known for the presence of sharks, particularly endangered dusky and sandbar sharks that gather near a local power plant, where warm water is released into the sea. Reports indicate that there have been no recorded fatal shark attacks in Israel since its establishment in 1948, making this incident particularly rare, according to BBC.

The man who went missing has been identified as Barak Tzach. During the incident, he was snorkeling and using an underwater camera when he encountered the sharks. His wife stated that he was not attempting to feed or provoke the animals but was there to document them. Unfortunately, he was attacked as he was returning to shore, according to information from CBS News.

Conservation groups have expressed concern over the interactions between sharks and beachgoers, citing ongoing warnings that have gone unheeded. Many beachgoers were reportedly seen playing and feeding the sharks in waters known for receiving large crowds during holidays. Videos surfaced showing sharks interacting closely with swimmers, prompting calls for better safety regulations in these popular areas. Authorities have condemned this behavior, and swimming is technically prohibited in zones with shark sightings, as emphasized by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, according to South China Morning Post.

After a two-day search that involved police and rescue teams, the remains of Tzach were finally found, confirming the worst fears of his family and friends. As a response to the incident, the local authorities closed the beach, although it was a popular spot during a weeklong holiday when many families flocked to the area, creating a hazardous mix of human activity and wildlife. The incident marks only the third recorded shark attack in Israel, highlighting the need for improved public safety measures around marine wildlife, as noted by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, according to CBS News and CBS News.