Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
In a tragic incident off an Israeli beach, the family of a man killed in a shark attack has revealed his efforts to defend himself using a GoPro stick. Barak Tzach, 40, was fatally attacked by sharks near Olga Beach in Hadera. The incident has drawn attention to the interactions between humans and sharks in the area, raising concerns about safety despite swimming being prohibited.
Details of the Shark Attack
Barak Tzach was attacked on Monday while fishing at Olga Beach, Hadera. The father of four had reportedly gone for a swim when the incident occurred. Disturbing footage captured his final moments as he struggled in the water.
Search and Discovery
Following the shark attack, police and emergency services launched an extensive search operation involving rescue units as well as air and naval forces. His remains were located on Tuesday evening, and authorities later identified the body as Tzach.
Family Speaks Out
After the formal identification, Tzach’s family addressed rumors surrounding his death. They confirmed that he only had a mask, snorkel, fins, and a GoPro camera—no fish or bait.
Purpose of the Visit
- ‘He went into the water to dive and photograph sharks, not to feed them or play with them,’ the family stated.
- According to a fisherman who witnessed the shark attack, Tzach maintained a distance while photographing the sharks.
- ‘When they started getting too close to him, he used the stick of the GoPro camera to gently push them away.’
Eyewitness Accounts of the Shark Attack
An eyewitness recounted the harrowing moments of the attack, revealing the man’s cries for help. “I’m bitten, I’m bitten,” he reportedly screamed, waving his hands.
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- ‘After a few minutes, sharks bit him – and suddenly he disappeared,’ a beachgoer told Channel 12 News.
Official Statements
Authorities have provided updates on the search efforts and the confirmation of the victim’s identity following the shark attack.
Efforts to Recover Remains
Deputy Fire Chief Doron Almashali stated, “After a day and a half of intensive effort, we have found what appears to be part of the missing person… We will continue working to confirm that we have indeed found the diver who was attacked by the sharks.”
Police Investigation
The Israel Police added, “Several findings have been sent for examination, and we are awaiting the results. Our primary goal is to bring closure to the family. We will continue our efforts until we locate the missing person.”
Other Interactions with Sharks
Videos circulating on social media show other individuals, including children, interacting with sharks in the same area moments before the fatal incident. This raises concerns about safety and appropriate conduct around these predators.
Concerns About Human Behavior
There have been reports of some tourists even grabbing sharks and behaving inappropriately. The chairwoman of the Israeli Shark Association has called such behavior ‘unreasonable’.
Rarity of Shark Attacks
- Shark attacks in the Mediterranean are infrequent.
- Since 1900, there have been only 50 recorded attacks, with 11 resulting in fatalities.
Call for Caution
The Hadera Municipality Coastal Department has urged the public to avoid entering the water and interacting with the sharks. Police and rescue workers responded to the scene following an emergency call on Monday afternoon.