Girl Bitten by Moray Eel in Shallow Eilat Waters

A 10-year-old girl suffered a severe foot injury after being bitten by a moray eel while wading in shallow waters off the Coral Beach in Eilat. The girl, identified as Shir, was vacationing with her family when she stepped off a rock into the water without protective footwear and was bitten on the foot. The bite caused deep lacerations and a complete tear in the tendon that straightens her big toe.

She was taken to Yoseftal Medical Center, part of the Clalit Group, where she received initial treatment including wound cleaning and antibiotic coverage to prevent marine-related infections. Doctors discovered she could not move her toe, necessitating surgery under general anesthesia. During the procedure, the torn tendon was repaired and stitched.

Following the surgery, her leg was immobilized in a cast, and she was discharged to recover at home. Dr. Sergei Boykov, head of orthopedics at Yoseftal, stated that children typically recover well from such injuries and a full recovery is expected. He noted the importance of the surgical repair in preventing future functional impairment.

Dr. Nassif Assaleh, head of pediatrics at Yoseftal, explained that moray eels do not typically attack humans, but the risk of encounters increases near rocks and during evening hours. He advised beachgoers to avoid approaching marine animals and to always wear water shoes when entering the sea, especially in reef areas.

Shir's mother expressed satisfaction with the medical care provided and emphasized the lesson learned: never enter the water near reefs without water shoes, even for a moment. The incident, which began with a simple step off a rock, concluded with a surgical intervention, highlighting the necessity of protective footwear in such environments.