Heartbroken family reveal final act of dad killed by sharks in Mediterranean

A father-of-four killed in a shark attack in Israel tried to bat the predator away in a last-ditch bid to survive, his family have said.

Barak Tzach disappeared below the surface during the deadly incident on Monday (21 April) at Olga Beach in Hadera, which unfolded in front of terrified beachgoers.

Horrifying footage captured the moment that the dad, who was in his 40s, was struck by the shark while swimming in the sea next to the country's biggest power station.

A massive search was launched for Tzach off the Mediterranean coast, before crews discovered what they believed to be his remains on Tuesday (22 April) evening.

Following forensic examination in Tel Aviv, it was confirmed that they belonged to Tzach.

In wake of the development, police said the search would persist 'to locate additional findings', according to Israel National News.

"We express our sincere condolences to the family who was informed of the results," a statement from the force said. "We will accompany them throughout the complex process."

Dad-of-four Barak Tzach died in Monday's shark attack, police have confirmed (Barak Tzach)

Deputy Fire Chief Doron Almashali added: "After a day and a half of intensive effort, we have found what appears to be part of the missing person.

"Naturally, these findings must undergo thorough examinations. We conducted our search pattern based on careful analysis of underwater currents, and it was precisely in that area where the remains were discovered."

Tzach, reportedly from the city of Petach Tikva, is said to have been on his way home from work when he fatefully stopped off at Olga Beach to take a dip in the sea.

His family have since spoken out to address the speculation surrounding his death, with his wife Sarit Tzach sharing a Facebook post saying he went into the water with a mask, snorkel, fins and a GoPro camera.

She insisted he did not head in there with any fish or bait, claiming Tzach had intended to photograph the sharks in the area.

Moments before the underwater predator launched its brutal attack on the dad, it had been seen swimming dangerously close to children who were paddling in the shallows.

"He went into the water to dive and photograph sharks, not to feed them or play with them," Sarit said, according to local media. "In a conversation I had with a fisherman who witnessed the incident, I was told that he swam alongside the shark and later moved a little further out.

"He photographed the sharks from a distance, but did not touch them or feed them."

Footage captured the underwater predator stalking the shore of Olga Beach before it attacked (X)

Tzach's wife then revealed that he had desperately attempted to deter the shark from attacking - but it proved to be futile.

"When they started getting too close to him, he used the stick of the GoPro camera to gently push them away," Sarit added.

The family have urged people to 'refrain from spreading false or unsubstantiated information' about Tzach's death, while paying tribute to the dad who 'loved the sea and nature'.

Eyewitnesses have told how they heard the swimmer yell out, 'I'm bitten, I'm bitten', before he was dragged under the waves.

It marks the fourth documented shark attack in Israel's history, according to reports.

Sandbar and dusky sharks are known to frequent the area near Olga Beach, as they are attracted by the warm water and fish which are carried there via a nearby stream.

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority shared a statement in wake of the incident saying: "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."