Search resumes for 2 brothers feared drowned off Ashkelon coast

Body of third brother discovered Saturday; police urge public to use caution when swimming

Police crews search the Ashkelon coastline for two men missing since Thursday (photo credit: Courtesy Israel Police)
Police crews search the Ashkelon coastline for two men missing since Thursday (photo credit: Courtesy Israel Police)

Police forces, aided by volunteers, resumed the search for brothers Nahed Sariye, 26, and Ateff, 16, off the coast of Ashkelon Sunday morning. The two have been missing since Thursday, when they were swept out to sea while swimming in the city’s Delilah Beach.

On Friday, the search uncovered the body of 19-year-old Suliman, who went missing at the same time as his brothers. The three men are from the Bedouin town of Kuseife, whose residents participated in the search efforts.

The search for the two brothers entered its fourth day with the aid of a police helicopter, police divers, Israeli Navy and police ships and jet skis. Land crews were set to continue to search the coastline, in case any of the bodies washed up on shore.

Ashkelon police chief Haim Bublil alerted the public that there are currently no lifeguards on duty and urged people to avoid entering the water.

“The weather is expected to be good this weekend, but we recommend that people refrain from entering the sea. It may appear inviting and calm, but there are whirlpools and other dangers, and there are no rescue services,” Bublil told Ynet News.

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Asher Zeiger contributed to this report.

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