A surfer who is believed to have been killed by a shark was attacked in front of horrified onlookers.
Lance Appleby, 28, has been missing since Thursday night after witnesses said they saw him being attacked in the water at The Granites Beach, Australia.
Police have since confirmed they have found a shredded surfboard belonging to Lance.
The surfer’s family friend Jeff Schumucker told 7NEWS: ‘He caught a wave and flipped off the wave and proceeded to paddle back, and he was attacked.’
Onlookers jumped onto jet skis to try and scare away the animals, but so far only a board with a bite-sized chunk has been recovered.
Jeff said: ‘The board had a bite mark in the bottom and the rope was severed in half.
‘It just hits everyone so hard, particularly the locals.’
Lance was visiting his home town over the Christmas period to spend time with his family when the incident occurred.
The stretch of beach is said to be a shark hotspot, according to the Adelaide Advertiser.
Tributes have poured in for the popular surfer, who was once a star player for Marble Range FC.
Rival team Wayback also paid tribute to Lance, calling him a ‘close friend and respected opponent’.
They said: ‘So tragic. Not a Waybacker but a highly respected opponent and player with the Marble Range FC and close friend of a number of our players and supporters.
‘Our thoughts are with Lance’s family, friends, and the Marble Range FC and the wider Eyre Peninsula Community.
‘RIP Lance Appleby.’
Employer Allconstruct Interiors Pty Ltd said: ‘RIP to great young talent Lance Appleby was a big part of Allconstruct team last year and quickly became friends.
‘Devastating to hear the news today.’
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