A 10-year-old girl required surgery after a moray eel bit her foot during a family outing at Coral Beach in Eilat, leaving deep cuts and completely severing the tendon that straightens her big toe.

Israel’s Health Ministry announced the incident Wednesday. The girl, identified as Shir, was taken to Yoseftal Medical Center, where doctors cleaned the wound, administered antibiotics against marine infections and surgically repaired the tendon.

Orthopedic department director Dr. Sergei Boykov said Shir could not move her big toe when examined. Surgeons located and stitched the severed tendon to prevent lasting impairment, and doctors expect a full recovery.

Following the incident, pediatric department director Dr. Nassif Assala urged swimmers to avoid approaching marine animals and wear water shoes. He noted that moray eel attacks are uncommon.

Shir’s mother said the family learned an important lesson: water shoes should be worn when entering reef areas, even briefly.

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