10-Year-Old Girl Severely Bitten by Moray Eel During Eilat Vacation

A 10-year-old girl from central Israel suffered severe foot injuries after being bitten twice by a moray eel while vacationing at Coral Beach in Eilat last weekend. The incident occurred in shallow water as she stepped off a large rock. Her mother recounted the terrifying moment, noting that the aggressive fish inflicted deep, bleeding lacerations.

Hospitalization and Surgical Intervention

The child was rushed to the emergency room and subsequently admitted to Yoseftal Medical Center. Dr. Sergei Boykov, head of orthopedics, explained that due to high infection risks from seawater and bacteria, the wound was partially sutured and treated with antibiotics. However, morning examinations revealed that the girl could not move her toe, prompting emergency surgery.

"During the operation, we discovered a full tear in the extensor hallucis longus tendon and a partial tear in the short extensor tendon," said Dr. Boykov. Medical teams cleaned the tissue, repaired the tendons, and placed her leg in a plaster cast.

Safety Guidelines and Marine Life Warnings

Dr. Nasif Assleh, head of pediatrics at Yoseftal, emphasized that moray eels are not naturally aggressive toward swimmers unless provoked or approached in their habitat. He advised against feeding marine animals or approaching rocky areas without proper water shoes. The mother also noted that other children were feeding schnitzel to the fish nearby, which may have triggered the attack.

Following three weeks of strict non-weight-bearing recovery at home, doctors expect a full rehabilitation, though the incident serves as a stark reminder of coastal safety rules and the dangers of disturbing marine ecosystems.