The two missing girls swept away by the Jordan River near Lahavot HaBashan were found dead, Magen David Adom and Israel Fire and Rescue Authority said on Saturday.
Both girls, aged 13 years old, were found dead in the Jordan River, with MDA paramedic Eli Ben Zaken saying that one of them was rescued unconscious, without a pulse, and not breathing. “We performed medical tests, but unfortunately, we had no choice but to declare her dead,” the paramedic added.
Hebrew media reports indicate that three girls entered the water, but the current quickly became overpowering, with only one of the three managing to swim to shore.
The rescue operations included operatives from MDA, the Fire and Rescue Authority, Israel Police, and other forces, authorities said.
Police, rescue teams worked for hours to locate missing girls
After losing contact with her friends, the girl who escaped the water alerted the authorities, prompting the dispatch of rescue teams and police to the area.
Two hours into the search for the girls, which was conducted on the river’s surface and along its banks, Israel Fire and Rescue Services announced that the diving teams had begun operating in the area.
Videos from the rescue operation showed operatives using drones, boats, and other means to locate the minors, and it lasted several hours until both missing girls were located.
