ADELAIDE: Authorities in South Australia have called off the search for Lance Appleby, a 28-year-old surfer who was killed in a shark attack at Granites Beach. The incident, which occurred on Thursday evening, prompted an extensive search operation involving sea, land, and air resources.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the tragic event unfolded when witnesses saw Appleby being attacked by a shark while surfing approximately 480 kilometers northwest of Adelaide. Despite a significant search effort over four days, involving local police, the State Emergency Service, the Country Fire Service, and community members, Appleby’s body remains missing.
In a statement on Sunday, SA Police announced the conclusion of the search, expressing gratitude to all those who had participated in the operation. “Police with the assistance of State Emergency Service, Country Fire Service, Council members including the mayor, and locals have searched the area over the past four days, but sadly have not yet located his body,” the statement read. “Police would like to thank all those who assisted during the tragic incident.”
Earlier reports from locals indicated the presence of a great white shark in the vicinity on Thursday. Seven Network television reported that witnesses observed Appleby being knocked off his surfboard by a wave and subsequently pulled underwater by the shark. Following the attack, a witness on a jet ski retrieved Appleby’s surfboard, which bore evidence of the attack with a bite taken out of it.
This incident marks the third fatal shark attack off the coast of South Australia in 2023, with one occurring at the same location, Granites Beach. Notably, there have been no fatal shark attacks reported in 2024.