A diving team started searching on Friday morning for three brothers who were last seen at a beach near Ashkelon Thursday night.
According to testimonies, the youngest brother bathed in the sea with a cousin. They shouted for help and the two elder brothers came to their rescue, but were swept into the sea themselves.
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"I hope at least one of them survives," said the father of Shenhad, 26, Suleiman, 19 and Ataf, 16.
Rescue teams at the beach (Photo: Courtesy of police)
Their cousin managed to make his way back to the beach and notified authorities, who started searching for the brothers immediately, but had to pause for the night due to poor visibility, resuming the search on Friday morning.
The beach, Thursday night (Photo: Zeev Trachtman)
"We started by diving at the estimated drowning point," explained the Ashkelon chief of police. "We're aided by navy boats as well as by volunteers along the beach. Many family members have also joined in the searches."
The police chief urged citizens not to be tempted by the fair weather and bathe in the sea, since bathing season has not officially begun and there are no lifeguards at the beaches.
"Even though the sea may seem calm and inviting there are currents and other perils, and without rescue services swimming may be dangerous," the police chief warned.