Moray Eel Attack Leaves Girl, 10, Hospitalized in Eilat

A family vacation in Eilat took a terrifying turn when a 10-year-old girl was severely bitten by a moray eel while wading barefoot at Coral Beach. The attack resulted in deep lacerations to her foot and a complete tear of the toe's extensor tendon.

The child was rushed to Yoseftal Medical Center, where she received initial disinfection and antibiotic treatment. She then underwent emergency surgery under general anesthesia. Dr. Sergi Boykov, head of the orthopedic department, performed a reconstruction and suturing of the damaged tendon to prevent future disability in her toe's movement.

Following the procedure, the girl was transferred to the pediatric ward for observation, with her leg immobilized in a cast. She was later released to recover fully at home. Medical staff noted that while moray eels are not typically aggressive, they tend to approach rocks in the evening, increasing the risk of encounters.

Dr. Naseef Assala, director of the pediatric department, and the girl's mother urged the public to exercise caution and wear appropriate water shoes when entering reef areas, even for short periods.