Haredi Woman and Four Children Rescued After Boat Drifts into Sea of Galilee

On Wednesday afternoon near Tiberias, a small rowboat carrying a Haredi woman, two children, and two infants drifted far from shore in the Sea of Galilee due to strong winds and currents. The incident occurred close to the Ginbari beach area. Unable to return to land, the family was rescued by a United Hatzalah rescue boat that was conducting routine patrols as part of heightened emergency preparedness for the summer vacation period.

The rescue team quickly located the drifting boat, brought all five passengers aboard, and provided initial treatment for mild dehydration. After stabilizing their condition, the family was safely transported to a nearby fishing dock where an ambulance awaited to conduct further medical evaluations and monitoring.

Yossi Oknin, head of United Hatzalah’s Tiberias branch, confirmed the successful rescue and emphasized the organization’s high alert status since the start of the vacation season to respond promptly to emergencies. This rescue follows a recent pattern of small boats and swimmers being swept away in the Sea of Galilee during summer months, caused by rapidly changing weather and sudden gusts of wind.

Just days earlier, three yeshiva students were similarly rescued after their boat drifted away near the Shikmim beach in Tiberias. Authorities have increased patrols and rescue readiness due to the rise in visitors to the lake. Officials urge the public to adhere strictly to safety guidelines, avoid entering the water in poor weather, and follow lifeguard instructions, especially during the busy "between the holidays" period when beach attendance surges.

Recent tragic incidents include the drowning of a 34-year-old Jerusalem resident in Limassol, Cyprus, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with water activities during the summer.