Naval Commandos Join Search for Missing Diver Off Haifa Coast

Elite naval commandos from Shayetet 13 and the Yaltam unit have joined an extensive search operation for a young man in his 20s who went missing while diving off the coast of Haifa on Thursday afternoon. The search, which began yesterday and continued through the night, is still ongoing.

The young man reportedly went diving at Students' Beach, accompanied by a friend on a watercraft, believed to be a kayak. When the diver did not resurface after a significant period, his friend reported him missing, prompting a large-scale rescue effort.

Multiple agencies, including the police, Israel Police Marine Unit, the fire department, and additional rescue forces, are involved. The search is being conducted from the air using helicopters and drones, from the sea with boats and jet skis, and along the coastline by ground teams. A police command center has been established on Students' Beach to coordinate the efforts.

The operation has been ongoing for many hours, with forces concentrating their efforts on the sea and coastal areas. The police initially reported the incident shortly after 10 p.m. Thursday, detailing the deployment of various units including the marine unit, aerial support, and volunteer teams.