Photograph Israeli Mermaid, Win $1 Million

Mermaid Spotted off the Coast of Israel, $1 Million Prize Awaits First Photographer to Shoot Her

By SIMON MCGREGOR-WOOD
JERUSALEM, Aug. 12, 2009

Dozens of excited visitors gather every evening on the seashore near the Israeli town of Kiryat Yam, near Haifa.

Dozens of excited visitors have been gathering on the seashore near the Israeli town of Kiryat Yam near Haifa to catch a glimpse of the area's latest star attraction, a mermaid.

(Stone/Getty Images)

They are all desperate to catch a glimpse of the area's latest star attraction, a mermaid.

According to numerous eyewitnesses, the mythical sea creature looks like a cross between a little girl and a dolphin, and only comes out at sunset. "People are telling us they are sure they have seen the mermaid and they are all independent of each other," said Natti Zilberman, a local council spokesman.

The creature, according to the fast-growing local legend, performs a series of acrobatic tricks before disappearing beneath the Mediterranean waves.

Whatever the truth of the tale, it has done wonders for the tourist economy.

Local officials are now offering a cash prize of $1 million for the first tourist to take a photograph of the mermaid.

"I believe if there really is a mermaid," Zilberman said, "then so many people will come to Kiryat Yam, a lot more money will be made than $1 million."