Family’s tribute as Streaky Bay shark attack victim named

Family have spoken for the first time since a 55-year-old was killed in a horror shark attack off SA’s west coast.

The family of a 55-year-old surfer who died in a horror shark attack at Streaky Bay, off the state’s west coast, has thanked emergency services and his surfing mates in the wake of the tragedy.

Tod Gendle was killed in a frenzied attack near Granite Rock, close to Streaky Bay, on Tuesday.

Mr Gendle’s friends and other surfers watched in horror as the giant predator savaged him at about 10.20am, dragging him under water.

On Thursday, Mr Gendle’s family released a statement – thanking friends, the local community and emergency services for their support following the attack.

“We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to the police and volunteers for their dedicated efforts in the recent days,” they said.

“We extend our appreciation to his friends and the local community of Streaky Bay, who had the chance to know Tod.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were with Tod on that day.

“During this time, we kindly ask for privacy for our family and friends.”

Tod Gendle who was taken by a shark on Tuesday at Granite Rock. Picture: Supplied by family

The scene of a fatal great white shark attack at the Granites at Streaky Bay. Picture: Supplied

The tight-knit community of Streaky Bay is still reeling from the “devastating” shark attack.

Mayor Travis Barber told the Advertiser on Thursday that he had been working with his council and locals to offer any support needed as the “feeling” in the town was still “raw”.

“The town is still very sombre … it’s very raw still,” Mr Barber said.

“ A lot of people that were out there either in the water or on the beach are local people.

Mayor of Streaky Bay Travis Barber says Tuesday's fatal shark attack is still raw and that the community is still in shock. Picture: Douglas Smith

“There’s a percentage out there who knew the fella and for them it‘s real tough. Everyone at the moment is just trying to get around each other.”

Mr Gendle was unknown to many locals and is said to have been originally from Queensland.

He had been staying in the area with a friend according to some in the community.

Mr Barber said since the incident, the town had shielded itself as it was struggling to come to terms with what happened.

“You can tell how quiet it has been around here since. I mean, you would have noticed yesterday … you could’ve shot a gun down the street yesterday,” he said.

“I mean I called into the pub last night and everyone was talking about everything, but what happened.

“Like, the whole town just went into protective mode almost.”

Scene of a fatal great white shark attack at the Granites at Streaky Bay. Picture: Supplied

Mr Barber said there was an “active surfing” community in and around Streaky Bay and he believed that many would soon return to the water as interactions with sharks were expected.

“We live in Streaky Bay. I mean, look, our service station has got one of the world record sharks caught on a rod and reel so we know they‘re in the water,” he said.

“We live in a wild and unique, pristine environment and those things are out there and people know that at the same time.

“Everyone surfs, or snorkels, or fishes so you know, there’s these interactions and we’re all aware of it and it’s just a horrific and unfortunate incident that doesn’t happen (too often).

Mr Barber also recalled when he had a close encounter with a bronze whaler “years ago”.

“My brother’s and I had a scallop boat here and I actually had an incident with a shark myself,” he said.

“I was working, scallop diving and I had a shark come up and take the bag off my arm and I was down there for about 20 minutes with it circling me and stuff just out here in the bay.

“It was a bronzy but very aggressive, but yeah, we saw pointers out there when we dove but that was just a part of our job.”

Originally published as Family’s tribute as Streaky Bay shark attack victim named