A tragic incident has unfolded off the coast of South Australia, where a 28-year-old surfer, Lance Appleby, has been fatally attacked by a shark. The attack occurred at Granites beach, about 30km south-west of Streaky Bay on the Eyre Peninsula, on Thursday evening.
What Happened?
According to witnesses, the shark attack happened just after 7pm, while Mr. Appleby was surfing. Emergency services, including police and local volunteers, immediately rushed to the scene and launched a search for the young surfer.
Unfortunately, despite their efforts, Mr. Appleby’s body has not yet been found, and the search continues.
Who Was Lance Appleby?
Lance Appleby was a local in the Streaky Bay community, known for his love of surfing, football, and carpentry. His Facebook profile reveals a passionate individual who had recently traveled to Europe, including Greece, Monte Carlo, and London. Social media photos also show him surfing and enjoying the beach.
Investigation Underway
Police have confirmed that an air, land, and water search for Mr. Appleby’s body is ongoing, and Granites beach remains closed to the public. Assistant Police Commissioner John De Candia described the incident as a “very sad and tragic circumstance” for the man’s family and friends.
Shark Expert Weighs In
Dr. Brianna Le Busque, a shark researcher from the University of South Australia, believes that the attack was likely caused by a great white shark. She notes that these sharks are more active during the summer months, and with more people in the ocean, the risk of attacks increases.
A Somber Reminder
This incident marks the first fatal shark attack in South Australia this summer, although there were three attacks in the 2023-24 period. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of beach safety and the need for vigilance when enjoying the ocean.
What’s Next?
The police are preparing a report for the coroner, and anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to come forward and provide their details to local police or call 131 444. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Lance Appleby during this difficult time.