A tragic shark attack off the coast of South Australia has claimed the life of 28-year-old surfer Lance Appleby, sending shockwaves through the local community. Witnesses reported the dreadful incident occurring at Granites Beach, located on the Eyre Peninsula, where Appleby was surfing on January 2, 2024.
According to friends and family, Lance caught a wave and flipped off before paddling back when he was attacked by what is believed to be a great white shark. This horrifying attack, described by close friend Jeff Schumaker, highlighted the danger lurking beneath the surface. “He caught the wave, flipped off, and proceeded to paddle back, and he was attacked,” Schumaker recounted.
A massive search was launched shortly after the incident, with emergency services including police, the State Emergency Service (SES), and the Country Fire Service (CFS) scouring the waters and nearby shores for four days. Sadly, their efforts proved futile, concluding on January 7 without recovering Appleby’s body. “Police would like to thank all those who assisted during the tragic incident,” stated the South Australia Police, expressing gratitude for community support.
During the search, emergency responders retrieved Appleby’s surfboard, which bore tooth marks, indicating the predator's involvement. Many locals reported sightings of sharks off the coast earlier on the same day, underscoring known risks associated with the Granites area, where shark activities are commonplace.
The heartfelt community response included the establishment of a GoFundMe campaign, which raised over $100,000 to support his family and honor Lance's memory with a memorial and plaque. Lance's sister, Marilla, expressed her feelings on social media, stating, “Overwhelmed with the love and support for my baby brother Lancy. My life will never be the same again.”
Kenneth Appleby, Lance's brother, shared devastating reflections, saying, “The only solace we can find is knowing Lance was doing what he loved, with a beaming smile on his face.” The emotional tribute echoed throughout the community as family and friends grappled with the immense loss.
Andrew Ryan, the president of the Tweed Coast Tigers, emphasized Lance’s contributions to both his football club and the community. “He was just a genuine all-round good bloke,” Ryan stated, explaining how Lance moved from his hometown of Streaky Bay to the Gold Coast for work, where he quickly established deep connections. Ryan recalled Lance's natural leadership qualities and commitment, underscoring his impact on teammates as he was preparing to take on the vice-captain role this upcoming season.
Compounding the heartbreak is the reality of the coastal community's relationship with the ocean. Local experts noted the waters near Granites Beach have historically been associated with shark activity. According to UniSA shark researcher Brianna Le Busque, the area's geographical features contribute to these dangerous encounters: “The water goes really deep to really shallow quickly, offering ideal hunting grounds for great whites.”
Responses to the shark attack have ignited conversations about public safety and shark management policies. Friends and supporters, like Schumaker, passionately called for action, declaring, “There is no point looking for anything out there. Lance’s body’s inside the shark... If they want to do something about it, they should do it now.”
Despite the despair, supporters have sought ways to honor Lance's legacy. The GoFundMe initiative serves as both financial and emotional support for the grieving family—a community coming together for remembrance amid tragedy. Fundraiser organizer Kayla Petty noted, “Lance was the kind of person everyone wanted to hang out with. Forever young, forever surfing, forever loved.”
Police confirmed the events surrounding the attack and reinforced the need for safety precautions along popular surf spots. Assistant Police Commissioner John De Candia heralded the tragic circumstances, stating, “It’s very sad and tragic for the family.”
Cornered by grief, the community reflects on the cost of nature's depth and unpredictability. This tragic loss of Lance Appleby reverberates throughout the hearts of those who knew him, enjoying the waves one moment and engulfed by grief the next.
While the days pass without closure, the love for Lance remains undiminished, reminding fellow surfers and local families of the cherished moments they shared with him. Lance Appleby, forever remembered, will continue to surf the waves of their hearts.