A 55-year-old surfer has disappeared and is assumed dead, after witnesses saw him attacked by a massive Great White shark near Granite Rock, south of Streaky Bay, South Australia around 10:20 a.m. on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.
The male surfer, whose identity is yet to be disclosed, was surfing in the waters of Granite Rock when onlookers reported a shocking scene. They witnessed a great white shark, estimated to be about 13.75 feet long, approach the surfer from the side. The massive predator then attacked the man, dragging him underwater twice before he vanished from sight.
Eyewitnesses, including another surfer named Jeff Schmucker, acted quickly in response to the harrowing incident. Schmucker, risking his safety, ventured out on a jetski to help search for the missing surfer. As he searched, he was circled by what he believed was the same great white shark responsible for the attack. The only trace of the victim that Schmucker found was the remains of his surfboard, which bore a significant bite mark.
Emergency services were dispatched to the scene shortly after the attack was reported. They began an extensive search for the man’s body, but, as of now, have not located it. Authorities have been combing the waters and surrounding areas in an effort to find any signs of the missing surfer.
According to the Australian shark incident database, there have been 22 fatal shark attacks recorded in South Australia and more than 50 other recorded shark encounters.
This fatal shark attack has shaken the community of Streaky Bay, which is no stranger to such events. Just six months prior, a local school teacher faced a similar fate, losing their life to a shark attack at a beach located approximately 62 miles south of the recent incident.
Granite Rock and its adjacent waters are known for their beauty but have been marked by tragedy due to these frequent shark encounters. Given the size and aggressive behavior of the great white shark in the recent incident, locals and tourists are cautioned to exercise extreme care when venturing into the water.
Shark attacks, while rare, are a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the ocean and its inhabitants. South Australia, particularly the region around Streaky Bay, has seen its share of such incidents, leading to ongoing discussions about the measures needed to ensure the safety of those enjoying the coastline.
As investigations continue and search efforts are underway, the community holds on to hope for answers regarding the fate of the 55-year-old surfer.
