Horrifying footage believed to have been taken moments before a shark attacked a swimmer has surfaced online.
A frantic search remains ongoing for the man who was pulled underwater by a shark on Monday (21 April) at Olga Beach in Hadera, northern Israel, in front of horrified witnesses.
However, search teams have found what they believe to be human remains close to the site of the attack, police said on Tuesday (22 April), according to YNet News.
Advert
Beachgoers were left stunned as they watched the unidentified bloke being dragged away by the shark moments after it had calmly circled a host of swimmers - including children.
The shocking video shared to social media shows how the underwater predator got up close and personal with a pair of youngsters who were paddling in the sea.
A girl and a boy were seen shrieking in both excitement and terror as they stood in the knee-deep water while the shark swam between them - and even brushed their legs as it made its way past.
The predator is then seen heading back out to deeper water, before it is said to have then launched a brutal attack on the unsuspecting swimmer.
Advert
It is thought that the shark circled a number of people in the water yesterday without issue, before it became aggressive and reportedly sunk its jaws into the man.
He was heard repeatedly shouting out for help and saying 'they're biting me', according to eyewitnesses, who also claim to have seen blood spurt into the water.
"I was in the water, I saw blood and there were screams," bystander Eliya Motai told YNet News, adding: "I was a few meters from shore. It's terrifying. We were here yesterday and saw the sharks circling us."
Another said they saw the shark 'lunge' at the bloke, explaining: "We were just walking down to the water when we saw someone flailing in the sea - fighting a shark and trying to get away.
Advert
"It was hard to watch. It was chilling. We literally saw the shark attack him. I don’t understand how the beach wasn’t closed. It could’ve been me. All of us are traumatised."
The man was reportedly dragged out to sea by the shark, with another witness telling Channel 12 News: "After a few minutes, sharks bit him - and suddenly he disappeared."
Olga Beach has since been shut until further notice, as well as other spots nearby, while black flags line the sand to signal that swimming is completely off limits, The Sun reports.
Authorities have been searching for the man since the alarm was raised yesterday, leading to the discovery of possible human remains which was announced this afternoon.
It is understood that the remains have been sent to the National Centre of Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv for identification and further examination.
Advert
A police spokesperson said previously: "A short time ago, police officers from the Hadera station were dispatched following a report from citizens who claimed to have seen a shark attacking a diver in the water.
"We will continue to update according to developments. We call on the public travelling in the area to avoid entering the water and coming into contact with the sharks."
It is feared the swimmer is now deceased after the extremely rare shark attack, which marks the fourth documented one in Israel's history, according to YNet.
Sandbar and dusky sharks are known to frequent the area as they are attracted by the warm water and fish which are carried there via a nearby stream.
Advert
The Israel Nature and Parks Authority shared a statement in wake of the incident saying: "The Authority reiterates its warning against interacting with sharks and once again calls on the public to avoid approaching them, as they are protected animals."
Topics: Animals, Sharks, Shark Attacks, World News, Social Media
Olivia Burke