Second body found off Ashkelon coast

Experts confirm identity of Ateff Sariye; search for third brother, missing since Thursday, continues

A police vessel takes part in the search for men suspected to have drowned off the Ashkelon coast on Thursday. (photo credit: Courtesy Israel Police)
A police vessel takes part in the search for men suspected to have drowned off the Ashkelon coast on Thursday. (photo credit: Courtesy Israel Police)

Ashkelon police said that the body discovered by divers on Sunday morning was that of Ateff Sariye, 16, the youngest of three brothers swept out to sea on Thursday. The body was identified by experts at Ashkelon’s Barzilai Hospital.

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.

Police forces, aided by volunteers, are still searching for the oldest brother in the family, 26-year-old Nahed.

The search entered its fourth day on Sunday 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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