Early on Sunday morning, an abandoned boat washed up on Israel’s Mediterranean shore, containing personal belongings and documentation belonging to three Somali citizens. Israel Police reported that the boat, devoid of any occupants, was discovered near the city of Netanya.

Authorities, including police maritime units, are intensifying efforts to locate the three individuals associated with the found documentation. Israeli police confirmed that the boat held only personal items of the migrants, suggesting that they may have drowned.

The discovery raised concerns among Israeli authorities, prompting an ongoing search in the nearby waters for any signs of survivors. A photograph of the boat revealed a cluttered assortment of personal belongings, food, water, and travel documents. Among the documents discovered was a passport belonging to a three-year-old child, whose whereabouts are unknown. Additionally, Turkish citizen documents were reported to be among the findings.

While the migrants are not believed to have reached land, there are fears that they might have drowned. Israeli central district police are conducting thorough scans of the coastline, utilising a drone to enhance search efforts for potential survivors or bodies.

The incident has also raised security questions, with senior police officials expressing concerns about foreign bodies arriving in Israeli waters undetected. There are apprehensions about potential security threats, emphasising the need for vigilance and enhanced naval surveillance.