Emergency companies proceed to seek for native trainer Simon Baccanello, who’s presumed lifeless after he was mauled by a shark on Saturday morning.
The 46-year-old was browsing at Walkers Rock, close to Elliston on South Australia’s west coast, when he was attacked by the shark and disappeared.
First responders rushed to the scene at 10.10am after witnesses reported the incident however they had been unable to find Mr Baccanello.
South Australia Police revealed they imagine the trainer is lifeless as a consequence of witness experiences and the recovered wreckage of his surfboard.
A witness, 22-year-old Jaiden Miller, was within the water when the bloody assault occurred.
He informed the Adelaide Advertiser that Mr Baccanello’s surfboard “tombstoned” 15-minutes after the assault.
He estimated the board was roughly 500m offshore on the time.
“(We) couldn’t see him,” he stated.
“He was gone. (We) saw the shark just thrashing around out the back. The shark’s obviously let go and come back and got him for a third time.”
Local patrols continued to scour the seashores on Sunday for the surfer with help from the Water Operations Unit, PolAir crews, State Emergency Services members, and members of the neighborhood.
The in depth search efforts, involving each boats and helicopters, are anticipated to proceed till sundown and resume on Monday.
Superintendent Paul Bahr, Officer in Charge of Eyre and Western Local Service Area thanked the local people for his or her assist throughout the search.
“It’s not easy when it’s a local involved but we commend their strength and their want to assist,” he stated.
“We will continue to search with the assistance of local emergency services and other resources.”
Witnesses on the scene informed The Advertiser Mr Baccanello was the “greatest guy”.
“He’s just been a good teacher for the kids,” an area stated.
“In a small town like this everyone gets affected by it.”
No one else was injured within the stunning shark assault, police confirmed.
Elliston is situated about 650km from Adelaide, and is a spot beloved by vacationers for its pristine seashores.
Source: www.news.com.au
