Brother’s heartache after man attacked by great white shark off South Australia coast
The brother of a man who is missing after he was attacked by a shark has shared his family’s immense pain.
Lance Appleby, 28, was in the water off Granites beach on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula when it is understood he was dragged under by a great white and disappeared just after 7pm on Thursday.
It came just hours after an alert was posted on social media that a big and aggressive great white was circling nearby.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.His brother Kenneth Appleby wrote on social media the family “would give anything to have him back”.
“The pain we are feeling as a family is impossible to describe,” Kenneth said.
“We are absolutely devastated, and there is a gaping hole in our hearts.
“The only solace we can find is knowing that Lance was doing what he loved with a beaming smile on his face.”
Emergency services continued the search for Lance on Sunday, as police say they have found small items of interest that are being sent off for testing.
Family friend and shark fisherman Jeff Schmucker told 7NEWS Lance had caught a wave and was proceeding to paddle back out when he was attacked.
A jet skier raced out but could only find Lance’s board.
“He confirmed that the board had a bite mark in the bottom and the rope was severed in half,” Schmucker said.
A GoFundMe set up to support the family has raised more than $75,000.
“No matter where Lance lived or worked, he always made deep connections within the local community and formed lifelong friendships,” the organiser wrote on the crowdfunding page.
“He was the kind of person everyone wanted to hang out with. He loved sports, travelling, FaceTiming family, coffees, bear hugs, fulfilling his uncle duties, and most of all, spending time with his mates.
“Forever young, forever surfing, forever loved.”
The football club Lance had played for also shared a heartbreaking tribute on social media.
“A talented footballer with a heart of gold who always had a smile on his face or a joke to tell. An all-round down-to-earth person that everyone adored within our community,” the Marble Range Football Club said.
“Lance will be extremely missed by all but is forever part of our history as a member of our 2021 premiership team.
“Our thoughts are with his family at this incredibly difficult time. “
