Search for Man Taken by Shark Concludes Without Recovery of Body
The search for a surfer taken by a shark in South Australia has ended without finding his body, leaving the community in mourning.
Port Lincoln, South Australia, Lance Appleby, Shark Attack, Great White Shark
Port Lincoln: So, there was this tragic incident where a surfer named Lance Appleby was attacked by a shark at Granites Beach. It happened just after 7 PM on Thursday, and witnesses saw the whole thing unfold.
For four days, local police, marine rescue teams, and volunteers searched high and low for Lance. They even used drones to help out. But sadly, they announced on Sunday that they couldn’t find him.
The police said they had searched the waters where Lance was last seen, but it was all in vain. They thanked everyone who helped during this tough time and mentioned that a report would be sent to the state coroner.
A family friend, Jeff Schmucker, had actually warned people on social media about a great white shark spotted in the area just hours before the attack. He described Lance as a good kid from a big family, someone who was loved by everyone.
Jeff shared that Lance was a talented surfer and footballer, and he was really close to his kids. They all grew up together and had a blast. It’s heartbreaking for the community.
This year alone, there have been six shark attacks along the South Australian coast, with three of them being fatal. Jeff is now calling for the authorities to take action against the shark, saying that Lance’s family and the community need some closure.
It’s worth noting that white sharks are protected in South Australia, and harming them can lead to hefty fines. The state has also announced plans to improve shark safety measures, investing $500,000 to help reduce the risk of future attacks.