Lance Appleby, a 28-year-old surfer, is presumed dead after a suspected shark attack off the coast of South Australia. The incident occurred on Thursday evening at The Granites beach near Streaky Bay, a popular surfing spot known for its shark activity. Appleby was surfing when witnesses observed a figure approach him in the water. According to Jeff Schumucker, a family friend who witnessed the event, Appleby had just caught a wave and was paddling back out when he was attacked. The attack was swift and brutal, leaving onlookers horrified.
Following the attack, a frantic search was initiated. Witnesses on jet skis attempted to scare away any sharks in the vicinity, while others on the beach contacted emergency services. A short time later, the search party discovered Appleby’s surfboard, which had clearly been bitten, confirming the initial reports. The board, retrieved and brought back to shore, displayed a significant bite mark and a severed rope, grim evidence of the attack’s ferocity. The discovery deeply impacted the local community, especially given Appleby’s local ties and the fact that he had returned to the Eyre Peninsula to spend Christmas with his family.
The Granites beach was immediately closed to the public after the incident and remained closed as of Saturday, with authorities urging people to avoid the area. The closure underscores the perceived danger and highlights the area’s reputation as a shark hotspot, particularly during this time of year. Shark researchers have identified the area as a prime habitat for great white sharks due to the favorable water conditions. The incident comes amidst an increase in shark attacks in South Australia over the past two years, raising concerns about the frequency of such occurrences.
The disappearance of Lance Appleby has triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes from his family, friends, and the wider community. He is remembered as a talented sportsman, excelling in both football and basketball. Appleby played for the Marble Range Football Club and was regarded as a star player. Even rival teams, such as Wayback, offered condolences and acknowledged his skill and respect within the sporting community. The tributes paint a picture of a young man with a passion for sport, deeply connected to his community, and tragically lost in a devastating incident.
Beyond his sporting achievements, Appleby’s life is further illuminated through social media and local accounts. He was a former student of Streaky Bay Area School and worked as an apprentice carpenter for Allconstruct Interiors Pty Ltd. His employer joined the chorus of mourners, expressing their devastation at the loss and highlighting his contributions to the company and the friendships he forged during his time there. The heartfelt messages from his workplace further underscore the impact of his loss on those who knew him and worked alongside him.
The search for Lance Appleby’s body continues, bringing a somber close to the year for the Eyre Peninsula community. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of the ocean and the presence of powerful predators like sharks in the waters off South Australia. While the search for his remains continues, the community mourns the loss of a young life, a talented athlete, and a beloved member of their close-knit coastal community. The tragedy has resonated deeply, leaving a profound sense of loss and prompting reflection on the risks associated with ocean activities in areas known for shark activity.