Ashdod closed all beaches after lifeguards and swimmers spotted a massive endangered whale shark, triggering Israel’s strict marine safety protocol.
The Ashdod Municipality announced Friday the immediate closure of all city beaches after a dramatic sighting of a shark at Yud Alef Beach in southern Israel.
Beachgoers and lifeguards reported a shark roughly 5 meters (16 feet) long swimming close to shore. Marine experts later identified it as a whale shark—a giant but endangered species found in many parts of the world.
Municipal officials stressed that the closure was a precautionary safety measure, in line with Israel’s “shark protocol.”
In its statement, the municipality said:
“All bathing beaches in the city are closed at this stage, after a lifeguard crew spotted a shark in the water during routine searches. Lifeguards are conducting further scans for the swimmers’ safety. We ask the public to listen to the lifeguards’ instructions and to refrain from entering the sea until further notice.”
Though whale sharks are generally harmless to humans, Israeli authorities are taking no chances, especially with crowded beaches during the holiday season.
This rare encounter highlights Israel’s rich and diverse marine ecosystem—but also underscores the balance between protecting endangered species and ensuring public safety on Israel’s shores.
