It has been cleared for release that an Israeli navy vessel capsized Monday morning 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) from the coast, while patrolling the Mediterranean waters near Ashkelon.
In response, a missile boat was sent to the site, and rescue crews brought some of the sailors to the shore. None of them were hurt.
Large forces have been dispatched around the ship, which still hasn't sunk completely. Reports from the incident were passed to Commander of the Israeli Navy Ram Rothberg, as the IDF is investigating the circumstances of the mishap.
The ship was a "Tzir'a" or "Wasp" ship, an extremely fast model of ship known for its great maneuverability. It is thought to be the leading craft in the navy's routine security measures, and is operated by a crew of 4 to 5 sailors.