Israeli Police confirmed that they discovered a body on Tuesday, April 22, after a shark attack that was filmed took place by the Mediterranean coast in Hadera, Israel. The man’s belongings were found on the beach.
Now, a scientist weighed in as to why the shark was in the aforementioned area amidst the public who were minding their own business in the sea.
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What went down during the shocking attack
The deceased was swimming near the Orot Rabin power station where the attack took place. This area usually has warmer water due to its proximity to the power station.
A spokesperson for the Israeli police said: “Several findings have been sent for testing, and we await the results.”
A scientist explained the presence of sharks in the area
Professor Dov Zviely, from the Ruppin Academic Center’s School of Marine Sciences, elaborated on why there were sharks in the area where the attack took place.
According to The Mirror, Zviely said: “The warm water creates a current as strong as the Jordan River. The sharks come because of the heat but also because many fish wash down from the Alexander Stream, providing a steady food source.”
The nature of the sharks in the area
The majority of sharks in the Hadera area are dusky sharks; they typically measure around nine feet long and migrate for long distances for the sake of staying in warm waters throughout the winter. Normally, they are not aggressive to humans.
But that wasn’t the case in the Hadera attack
Marine Biologist Dr Adi Barash explained that the swimmers’ activity in the sea could have aggravated the sharks.
“Heavy human presence stresses the sharks. People must avoid touching or feeding them — they are not pets,” Barash said.
She even urged authorities to take action
“This is peak feeding season for the sharks, due to increased fish mortality from warming waters and recent holiday rains. Authorities must take steps to prevent harmful interactions and ensure the safety of these protected animals,” Barash added.
The public called for help, but it was too late
The man being attacked was caught on camera, with a member of the public calling authorities and saying: “There’s someone here that a shark has bitten. He’s screaming, ‘Help!’ He’s in the sea at Hadera. He’s drowning. He’s in the sea. Nobody’s coming to save him.”
