List of shark attack in the infested waters along South Australia’s West Coast

There are fears for the life of a young man, believed mauled by a shark while out surfing. This isn’t the first shark attack along the treacherous West Coast. See the list.

Police have grave fears for a man believed to be mauled by a shark while surfing off Eyre Peninsula on Thursday night, with a large-scale search now underway on the west coast of SA.

Emergency services were called to Westall Way Loop at Westall, an area on the beach known as Granites, after reports a 28-year-old man from Port Lincoln had been attacked by a shark while surfing at about 7.10pm.

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A major search for the surfer is underway, which closures in place and people warned to avoid the area.

The stretch of Eyre Peninsula coast is known to be a shark hotspot and potential breeding ground for great whites — with the attack the fourth in the region in the past two years.

LIST OF PREVIOUS SHARK ATTACKS IN THE AREA

Todd Gendle

Todd Gendle was killed by a great white shark in a frenzied attack near Granite Rock on October 31, 2023.

Witnesses at the time said the 55-year-old was paddling into the water when he was knocked off his surfboard by a shark, which then pulled him underwater.

Simon Baccanello

Only remnants of Simon Baccanello’s wetsuit and surfboard were discovered after a horrifying attack in which the his body was dragged underwater by a great white off the West Coast town of Elliston.

The 46-year-old, who was a popular local teacher, was tragically killed in May of 2023.

There was no casket or body at his funeral. 

Instead, family and friends used some of his most treasured items as their centrepiece.

Simon Baccanello was the victim of a shark attack.

Murray Adams

Murray Adams, 64, was attacked by a Great White in January 2024 at a popular Elliston surfing spot.

The schoolteacher was airlifted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where he underwent surgery to save his life after being bitten on the upper leg by the shark.

Shark Attack victim 64-year-old Murray Adams. Picture: 7 NEWS

Shark Attack victim 64-year-old Murray Adams. Picture: 7 NEWS

Khai Cowley

Surfer Khai Cowley, 15, who was fatally attacked by a shark at Ethel Beach. Picture: Supplied

Teenager Khai Cowley was killed in a shark attack at a popular tourist location on the Yorke Peninsula in late 2023.

The 15-year-old was visiting Ethel Beach in Innes National Park with his dad when he was attacked by a shark.

It is understood his father witnessed the attack.

Khai was a third-generation surfer and state champion.

The heartbroken family said they would remember the young surfer as a “courageous spirit”.