A five-day search for the remains of a beloved surfer killed in a shark attack at a famous hotpot while visiting family over Christmas has been called off.
Lance Appleby, 28, was attacked by a suspected great white shark at The Granites, on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, on Thursday night.
His body has yet to be recovered on the same beach where another surfer was beaten to death by a great white shark a year ago.
Authorities suspended an extensive search for Appleby’s body on Sunday.
“Police, with the help of SES, CFS, council members including the mayor, and locals have searched the area for the past four days but unfortunately have not yet located his body,” read a police statement.
‘Police would like to thank all those who helped during the tragic incident. A report will be prepared for the state coroner.
The news came as a blow to Appleby’s family, who live on Eyre Peninsula, an area known for high shark activity.
Another fisherman warned locals to beware of an “aggressive” great white shark at Granite Beach on social media just hours before Appleby was attacked.
Search for remains of Lance Appleby (pictured) called off after five days
Appleby was seen being attacked by a shark off Eyre Peninsula while boating on Thursday night (pictured emergency services preparing for search)
“A great white shark has been seen acting aggressively near Granites, Streaky Bay,” the fisherman posted on Facebook.
It is unknown whether Appleby was aware of the warning.
In an emotional tribute on Saturday, Appleby’s brother wrote that the family was glad he died “doing what he loved” and that he will now be “forever young, forever surfing, forever loved.”
‘The pain we feel as a family is impossible to describe. “We are absolutely devastated and there is a huge hole in our hearts,” wrote Kenneth Appleby.
‘The only comfort we can find is knowing that Lance was doing what he loved, with a radiant smile on his face.
‘Lance was the best brother we could ask for. He was loving, fiercely loyal, compassionate, and always up for an adventure.
“He wore his heart on his sleeve and was never afraid to express his emotions or talk about them.”
The brother added that Mr. Appleby loved sports, traveling, FaceTiming family, coffees, bear hugs, doing his uncle’s duties and, above all, spending time with his peers.
“We would give anything to have him back. Always young, always surfing, always loved,” he said.
It is understood Appleby moved to the Gold Coast in 2023 for work, but returned to Eyre Peninsula over Christmas to visit family.
His workplace, Allconstruct Interiors Pty Ltd, shared a tribute to the 28-year-old, writing: “Rest in peace to the great young talent Lance Appleby, he was an important part of the Allconstruct team last year and we quickly became friends.” .
Lance Appleby (pictured) is understood to have moved to the Gold Coast in 2023 for work but returned to the Eyre Peninsula over Christmas to visit family.
Lance Appleby (pictured) is the second surfer in 15 months to be fatally mauled by a shark at The Granites beach.
Appleby football club Marble Range also paid a heartfelt tribute on Saturday night.
“A talented footballer with a heart of gold who always had a smile on his face or a joke to tell,” the South Australia-based club said.
‘A down-to-earth person who was adored by everyone within our community.
“Lance will be greatly missed by all, but he will always be a part of our history as a member of our 2021 senior team.”
TO GoFundMe Because Mr. Appleby has raised more than $93 in 24 hours.
The page claims the funds would go towards a memorial plaque for Appleby and help ease financial pressure on her grieving family.
Family friend Jeff Schmucker recalled seeing Mr. Appleby being dragged underwater by a shark.
“He caught a wave, came off it and proceeded to paddle backwards, and was attacked,” Mr. Schmucker previously said. Seven news.
A man on a jet ski ran out to help Mr Appleby but could only find his board.
“He confirmed that the board had a bite mark on the underside and that the rope was cut in half,” Mr Schmucker said.
The local fisherman added that the close-knit community had been “very hard” hit by the attack.
‘Lance (pictured, left) was the best brother we could ask for. “He was loving, fiercely loyal, compassionate and always up for an adventure,” his devastated family said.
Locals have called for the shark, believed to be a great white, to be hunted.
“If they want to do something about it, they should do it now,” Mr. Schmucker said.
“The fishery has the power to issue a destruction order, but the government has no guts.”
Appleby’s death follows that of Tod Gendle, who was killed by a four-metre great white shark while surfing at the same beach in October 2023.