A rare and tragic shark attack off the Israeli coast in Hadera has raised fresh concerns over safety in the region’s waters. A 40-year-old man was killed, his remains recovered after the assault. While shark attacks are incredibly rare in Israel, experts urge beachgoers to adopt proper precautions.
Dr. Aviad Scheinin, a researcher from the University of Haifa who has studied sharks in the area for over a decade, reassured the public that incidents like this are anomalies. “Sharks aren’t interested in humans. We’re not part of their diet. Attacks like this one are extremely rare,” he said. However, the recent attack emphasizes the need for understanding shark behavior and how to stay safe in their environment.
Understanding Shark Behavior
Sharks in Israeli waters are primarily found near the warm water outlets of power plants in places like Hadera and Ashkelon. During the colder months, sharks, especially species like gray sharks and whitetip sharks, frequent these areas.
Dr. Scheinin explained that gray sharks, which can grow to about three meters in length and weigh over 150 kilograms, are the larger of the species found in the region. Whitetip sharks, which are smaller and endangered in the Mediterranean, generally weigh between 50 and 70 kilograms and grow up to two meters. While sharks in the region feed mainly on fish and squid, human interaction typically occurs when their natural habitat is disturbed.
“The sharks’ ability to detect electrical impulses in the water means they can sense movement, including from humans,” said Dr. Scheinin. This heightened sensitivity to electrical signals allows them to detect prey even in murky waters or at night, although they usually have no interest in humans.
Key Safety Tips to Minimize Risks
Despite the rarity of shark attacks, it’s crucial to take basic precautions when swimming in waters where sharks might be present. Here are some key tips to reduce the risk of an encounter:
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Stay calm if you spot a shark: Quick movements, splashing, or frantic swimming can trigger a shark’s predatory instincts. If you find yourself face-to-face with a shark, maintain eye contact and avoid sudden movements.
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Stay away from fishing areas: Sharks are often attracted to the smell of dead fish. Fishermen handling catches can unknowingly provoke sharks to approach.
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Avoid swimming in shark-prone areas: Popular swimming locations like Hadera can experience seasonal shark activity. Stay clear of areas with known fish fatalities or excessive human activity that could draw sharks closer to shore.
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Don’t feed sharks: Feeding sharks or attracting them with dead fish creates a dangerous association between humans and food. This can lead to sharks associating humans with food, increasing the chances of accidental bites.
“Most of the time, sharks will simply change direction and move away. But the risk increases when their natural feeding behavior is disturbed,” Dr. Scheinin said.
What to Do If You Encounter a Shark
If you find yourself face-to-face with a shark, staying composed is critical. Experts suggest maintaining eye contact with the shark while slowly backing away. Do not make sudden or erratic movements, as this may provoke the shark. The majority of sharks, once they realize you are not prey, will typically swim away.
While shark encounters are often blown out of proportion, the real danger typically comes from human activities that disturb sharks’ natural feeding patterns, like fishing. Fishermen holding dead fish or trash in the water may inadvertently draw sharks closer.
“In these areas like Hadera, the sharks generally aren’t a direct threat to humans unless we engage with them or disturb their environment,” Dr. Scheinin noted.
Sharks Are Not the Real Threat
Despite the shock of a shark attack in Hadera, Dr. Scheinin reassured the public that the risk of shark attacks in Israel remains low. Sharks are often misunderstood and rarely pose a danger to humans. Staying informed about shark behavior and following safety tips can drastically reduce the chances of an incident.
The environment plays a key role in these attacks—by disturbing their habitat or attracting them with food, humans can inadvertently increase the likelihood of an encounter.
