Kingscliff shark attack: Tributes flow for Gold Coast surfer Rob Pedretti after fatal attack

The Gold Coast surfing community is mourning a popular surf-loving local killed by a shark this morning.

THE Gold Coast surfing community is “heartbroken” after the death of a popular Tugun man who was tragically killed by a shark this morning.

Robin “Rob” Pedretti died at Salt Beach just south of Kingscliff this morning after a 3m shark, believed to be a great white, mauled him shortly after 10am.

He had been out surfing with a mate who, along with a bystander, heroically attempted to save the 60-year-old’s life.

Rob Pedretti.

Mr Pedretti, an experienced surfer who had travelled across the world chasing waves, remained conscious in the aftermath of the attack while his friend and the fellow surfer desperately paddled him back to shore.

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Experienced surfers who knew Mr Pedretti say they are devastated by his passing.

Nev Hyman, one of the Gold Coast’s best-known surfing figures, said the tragedy of Mr Pedretti’s death was difficult to comprehend.

Mr Pedretti died earlier today despite the heroic efforts of a friend and fellow surfer who tried to save his life.

“He was one of the many people who lived and breathed surfing, we love it more than anything, apart from our loved ones,” he said.

“It is just incredibly heartwrenching knowing what Rob’s family are going through at this moment.

“I know every single Gold Coast surfer’s hearts are breaking right now and they will be reaching out with love and sympathy for Rob and his family.

The scene this afternoon. Photo: Luke Mortimer

Mr Hyman, best-known for founding Firewire Surfboards, has been surfing for 50 years and said there was “no rhyme or reason” to Mr Pedretti’s death.

“My heart breaks at the thought of Rob and his family who are suffering right now,” he said.

“There is no rhyme or reason to it. Rob didn’t do anything wrong and the shark didn’t either.”

Friends of Mr Pedretti, who originally came from Geelong, held a small tribute to him on a southern Gold Coast beach late this afternoon.

Former World Longboard Champion surfer Andrew McKinnon, aka Andy Mac, speaking on behalf of the surf community said locals were devastated.

“I did not know him personally but everyone says he was a really nice guy and well-liked,” he said.

“The whole surfing community is in mourning right now. This is a tragedy nobody wanted to see happen.”