Authorities issue warning after man attacked by shark as chilling footage shows them swimming between beachgoers

Warning: This article contains graphic commentary of the shark attack which some readers may find distressing.

A video has emerged online depicting a shark swimming past beachgoers just moments before a swimmer appeared to be attacked.

The incident took place on the Hadera beach, in northwest Israel, yesterday (April 21) as temperatures reached 80°F (27°C), with authorities having since issued a warning to residents.

While the shark was pictured swimming close-by beachgoers, moments later a horrific attack was caught on camera by the Orot Rabin power station, with the victim's distressing calls for help captured on video.

In the recording, one person called the emergency services detail the trauma that was unfolding.

"There’s someone here that a shark has bitten. He’s screaming, ‘Help!’ He’s in the sea at Hadera. He’s drowning," she said.

"He’s in the sea. Nobody’s coming to save him."

The operator then asked the woman whether they had eyes on him, to which she replied: "No, I can’t see him."

The man is still missing.

Now, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority has issued a warning to beachgoers on its Mediterranean coast.

The Israeli government agency wrote: "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."

While a spokesperson for the local police force issued the following statement yesterday: "A short time ago, police officers from the Hadera station were dispatched following a report from citizens who claimed to have seen a shark attacking a diver in the water.

A shark swam past beachgoers in terrifying scenes (X)

"We will continue to update according to developments. We call on the public travelling in the area to avoid entering the water and coming into contact with the sharks."

The Coastal Department for Hadera has confirmed that officers are patrolling the area in the bid to recover the body of the victim, who is yet to be identified.

Meanwhile, a beachgoer explained per The Mirror that the victim was shouting, 'They’re biting me', while he waved his hands in the air. Shortly after, the shark dragged the man further out to sea.

In another recording, one man was reacting live to the incident, telling viewers: "Wow, wow, he’s with the shark, he’s fighting him."

Before later adding: "They’re eating him, eating the man… Can’t see him."