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A father of four who tragically lost his life in a shark attack off the coast of Israel reportedly made a desperate attempt to fend off the animal, according to his grieving family. Barak Tzach vanished beneath the waves during the harrowing incident on Monday, April 21, at Olga Beach in Hadera, as shocked onlookers watched in horror. Disturbing video footage shows the moment the man, believed to be in his 40s, was attacked while swimming near Israel’s largest power station.

An extensive search operation was carried out along the Mediterranean coastline in the aftermath of Tzach’s disappearance. On Tuesday evening, April 22, authorities located human remains believed to be his.

A forensic analysis conducted in Tel Aviv later confirmed the identity as Barak Tzach.

In response, police announced that the search would continue “to uncover further evidence,” as reported by Israel National News.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, who have been informed of the findings,” the police said in a statement. “We will continue to support them through this difficult time.”

Deputy Fire Chief Doron Almashali added: “After a day and a half of intensive effort, we have found what appears to be part of the missing person.

“Naturally, these findings must undergo thorough examinations. We conducted our search pattern based on careful analysis of underwater currents, and it was precisely in that area where the remains were discovered.”

Tzach, reportedly from the city of Petach Tikva, is said to have been on his way home from work when he fatefully stopped off at Olga Beach to take a dip in the sea.

His family have since spoken out to address the speculation surrounding his death, with his wife Sarit Tzach sharing a Facebook post saying he went into the water with a mask, snorkel, fins and a GoPro camera.

She insisted he did not head in there with any fishor bait, claiming Tzach had intended to photograph the sharks in the area.

Just moments before the deadly attack, the shark had reportedly been spotted swimming alarmingly close to children playing in the shallow water.

Barak’s partner, Sarit, spoke to local media, clarifying his intentions that day: “He went into the water to dive and photograph the sharks—not to interact with them or offer them food,” she said.

She recounted a conversation with a fisherman who had witnessed the tragic scene, saying, “He was initially swimming near the shark and then drifted a bit farther out. He kept his distance and only observed them—he didn’t feed them or try to make contact.”

Sarit, Tzach’s wife, later revealed that her husband had tried to fend off the shark in a final, desperate act—but sadly, his efforts were in vain.

“When they started getting too close, he used the stick from his GoPro to gently push them away,” she explained.

The family has appealed to the public to avoid spreading misinformation or unfounded claims surrounding the circumstances of Barak’s death. They described him as someone with a deep love for the ocean and the natural world.

Witnesses at the scene recalled hearing the distressed swimmer cry out, “I’m bitten, I’m bitten,” just before he was pulled under the water.

According to reports, this incident is only the fourth recorded shark attack in Israel’s history. Sandbar and dusky sharks are commonly found near Olga Beach, drawn in by the warm waters and abundance of fish brought by a nearby stream.

In response to the tragic event, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority issued a public statement: “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.”