Photograph Israeli Mermaid, Win $1 Million
Mermaid reportedly spotted off coast of Israel, first photo to net $1 million.
JERUSALEM, Aug. 12, 2009 — -- Dozens of excited visitors gather every evening on the seashore near the Israeli town of Kiryat Yam, near Haifa.
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."