Search for SA shark attack victim Lance Appleby formally called off as loved ones hold memorial for surfer

The search for the body of missing surfer Lance Appleby has officially been called off by police almost two weeks after he was killed by a great white.

Appleby, 28, was attacked at Granites Beach on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula about 7pm on January 2, a little more than a year after another surfer was taken by a shark at the same spot.

In a statement issued on Monday, authorities announced the search had officially concluded.

Despite local and water police, STAR Group officers, local marine rescue, State Emergency Service volunteers and drones deployed to scour the area, Appleby’s body was not recovered.

“The search for missing surfer Lance Appleby, who is believed to have been attacked by a shark ... along the coast south of Streaky Bay on the Eyre Peninsula has concluded,” South Australian Police said.

“Police would like to extend their gratitude to all emergency service members, as well as the public and volunteers, who dedicated their time and efforts to assist in the search.

“A report is being prepared for the State Coroner.”

The announcement came on the same day loved ones held a moving memorial for Appleby, where he was remembered as a free spirit.

“He loved going surfing with dad and his mates. Being in the ocean, it really did bring him a lot of happiness,” his sister Gabrielle Appleby said.

But there was nothing he loved more than being an uncle.

“He was either holding a baby, on the ground playing, pushing the pram — he did draw the line at changing nappies though,” his brother Kenneth Appleby said.

Appleby was living on the Gold Coast but had returned home for the holiday.

Hundreds also gathered at Granites Beach over the weekend for a paddle-out event to mourn his passing.

Kenneth previously 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.

A GoFundMe set up to help his family has raised close to $120,000.

“The only solace we can find is knowing that Lance was doing what he loved, with a beaming smile on his face,” campaign organiser Kayla Petty said.

“No matter where Lance lived or worked, he always made deep connections within the local community and formed lifelong friendships.

“He was the kind of person everyone wanted to hang out with.”

A warning about a big and aggressive shark in the area had been shared on social media just hours before Appleby was attacked. Whether the surfer knew about the danger is unclear.

Locals told 7NEWS Appleby had caught a wave and was paddling back out when he was taken.

A jet skier raced out but could only find the surfer’s board.

“He confirmed that the board had a bite mark in the bottom and the rope was severed in half,” family friend Jeff Schmucker said.

Granites is the same beach where surfer Tod Gendle, 55, was killed by a great white in October 2023.

Tragically, his body has never been found.

7NEWS was told that some people have been talking about catching and killing the shark, suggestions they say are being driven largely by emotion and anger.

White sharks are protected in all South Australian waters. Fines of up to $20,000 can be dished out to people who “take, harm, or harass” them.