Scuba divers on Friday collected over a ton of garbage that had gathered at the bottom of the Sea of Galilee.

Some 45 people took part in the operation that removed bottles, cans, tires and even a sunken boat from the freshwater lake.

The operation was initiated by a group of volunteers who are part of the police northern district scuba diving unit, with the participation of Tiberias municipality.

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Police scuba diving unit head, Gali Garin, said underwater cleaning by divers was the most effective method of clearing garbage from the lake.

"We plan to carry out similar operations [in the future]," Garin said.

The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Kinneret, is Israel's most important water source and an important tourist destination.