Search for SA shark attack victim Lance Appleby concludes without finding body

After an extensive four-day search by emergency services and local volunteers for the body of 28-year-old shark attack victim Lance Appleby, police have delivered a sad update.

The search for 28-year-old surfer Lance Appleby, who was fatally attacked by a shark off the coast of Streaky Bay, has concluded with heartbreaking news.

After four days of intensive searching by emergency services and local volunteers, South Australia Police released a statement on Sunday afternoon, confirming that his body had not been recovered.

Shark attack victim Lance Appleby. Picture: Supplied

The search had continued into Sunday morning but was officially called off at 12:55pm, with police thanking all those who had been involved in the extensive efforts.

Those who helped included police officers, State Emergency Service (SES) crews, the Country Fire Service (CFS), council members, including the Mayor of Streaky Bay, and local residents.

The search began after Mr Appleby was last seen on Thursday evening around 6:30pm when he went surfing at Granites Beach, a popular spot on the Eyre Peninsula.

Authorities, including water operations, STAR teams, marine rescue, and local SES, worked tirelessly over the course of the search, which included combing the waters off Streaky Bay. So far, only his surfboard has been found.

A beloved member of the Eyre Peninsula community, Mr Appleby had deep ties to the region. A former student at Streaky Bay Area School and a member of the Marble Range Football Club, he moved to the Gold Coast for work in 2023.

He had returned to South Australia over the holiday period to visit his family and friends when this devastating tragedy struck.

His heartbroken family have remembered him as a “fiercely loyal, compassionate and caring” person.

In the wake of his passing, a GoFundMe page was launched to raise funds for a memorial, a plaque, and other associated expenses. As of now, the page while only requesting $10,000, has raised more than $87,000, a testament to the widespread grief and support for the family and the local community during this incredibly difficult time.

SAPOL has confirmed that a report will be prepared for the State Coroner.

Originally published as Search for SA shark attack victim Lance Appleby concludes without finding body