Rescuers search for 2 after crane topples into water near Ashkelon

Two people were feared missing on Tuesday morning after a crane toppled in stormy weather near the southern city of Ashkelon.

A police statement said the crane had collapsed due to strong winds at the Rutenberg power station on the coast near the city.

The structure had apparently been located on a pier and fallen into water.

Rescuers were dispatched to the scene during the pre-dawn hours after two men were thought lost offshore.

One of the men was found shortly after with light injuries, but as daylight broke, police said a fisherman who had been in the area was also feared lost in the incident, bringing the toll back up to two.

Police, including marine units, along with navy forces, divers and medical first responders were assisting in the rescue effort and the Israel Electric Corporation set up an investigation.