A 15-year-old boy, Khai Cowley, lost his life in a shark attack while surfing at Ethel Beach in South Australia’s Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. on December 29, 2023, marking the third fatal shark attack in the state this year.

Cowley, an Adelaide resident and a talented young surfer, was at Ethel Beach, a location known for its challenging surf. The beach, set against a backdrop of towering cliffs and near the historic Ethel shipwreck, is a favored spot among surfers, particularly during the holiday season.

The attack was swift and brutal, with Cowley suffering a catastrophic bite that severed his leg. Despite immediate attention by emergency services, he succumbed to his injuries.

The South Australian surfing community is in a state of shock and mourning. Local surfer Luke Sykora expressed the collective grief, noting the rarity of such attacks in the area despite the known presence of sharks.

Andrew Fox, a shark expert, suggested that the overcast conditions and the presence of fish near the surf area might have created an environment conducive to a shark attack. He also noted that slightly murky water can increase the risk of shark encounters.

This year has seen a worrying increase in shark attacks in South Australia. In addition to Cowley’s death, there were fatal attacks in May and October. In May, school teacher Simon Baccanello was presumed dead after a shark attack at Walkers Rock Beach, and in October, 55-year-old Tod Gendle suffered a fatal bite at Granites Beach on the state’s west coast. In both cases, the bodies were never recovered. A 32-year-old woman also survived a shark attack at Port Noarlunga Beach near Adelaide in November.

The rise in shark attacks has led to heightened concerns and precautionary measures, including temporary bans on school trips to beaches in the state.

In response to Cowley’s death, a GoFundMe campaign was initiated by his aunt, Lauryn Barley, to assist the family with funeral expenses.

The incident has reignited debates on shark safety measures and public awareness campaigns. While shark nets and other deterrent measures are being considered, the remote and expansive nature of South Australia’s coastline presents challenges.

As the community grapples with this tragedy, tributes for Cowley continue to pour in, reflecting on his passion for surfing and his promising future in the sport.