Moray Eel Bites 10-Year-Old Girl in Eilat

A 10-year-old girl suffered a significant injury to her foot after being bitten by a moray eel while vacationing with her family at the Coral Beach in Eilat on September 16, 2026. The incident occurred when the girl, identified as Shir, stepped off a rock into shallow water without wearing water shoes. The moray eel bit her foot, causing deep cuts and a complete tear in the tendon that extends her big toe.

Shir was taken to the Yoseftal Medical Center, where she received wound cleaning, antibiotic treatment to prevent marine infections, and underwent surgery under general anesthesia to repair the damaged tendon. Her leg was immobilized in a cast, and she was released to recover at home.

Dr. Sergey Boykov, head of orthopedics at Yoseftal, stated that the surgery revealed a full tear in the extensor tendon, which was sutured to prevent future functional impairment. He expressed confidence in a full recovery, noting that children typically heal well from such injuries.

Dr. Nasif Assala, director of pediatrics at Yoseftal, advised that moray eels generally do not attack but that the risk increases near rocks and during evening hours. He recommended that swimmers avoid approaching marine animals and always wear water shoes when entering the sea.

Shir's mother emphasized the lesson learned from the incident, stressing the importance of wearing water shoes in reef areas, even for brief periods.