Heavy rescue forces and emergency personnel are currently scouring the Ain Ekev spring in the Negev desert following frantic reports of a yeshiva bochur who went missing in the water on Sunday afternoon.

The terrifying incident occurred during a Bein Hazmanim trip. Initial reports indicate that the bochur entered the spring and subsequently disappeared from view, raising severe fears that he may have drowned, Rachmana litzlan.

Upon receiving the distress call, a massive search and rescue operation was instantly launched. Specialized teams from the Lehava rescue unit, led by their commander, were dispatched to the remote area. The team includes expert divers who are specially trained and certified in underwater search and recovery operations.

They are operating in close coordination with local police forces on the ground. Additionally, an Israel Air Force (IAF) helicopter was deployed to transport the specialized dive teams to the scene as rapidly as possible, and to assist with sweeping aerial searches of the surrounding rugged terrain.