Teen surfer's tragic encounter: fatal great white shark attack shocks Australia
The incident occurred on December 28 along the coastline of Ethel Beach in South Australia. On that fateful day, Khai Cowle was engaging in surfing practice. An onlooker shared with 7News that a massive, almost 13-foot great white shark approached the boy and bit off a substantial portion of his leg.
Nearby individuals immediately came forward to assist the young surfer. Despite the shark still lurking near the injured boy, one brave man swam towards the 15-year-old on a board. They managed to get Khai to the shore, but sadly, his life could not be saved. Khai's father, also surfing that day, witnessed this heart-rending incident.
Khai's sporting club, the Seaview Road Board Riders, has already paid tribute to the young athlete. According to the official statement, Khai stemmed from a family with a solid surfing tradition; his grandfather and uncle trained him in the past. The boy showcased a considerable talent in surfing and was a frequent victor in youth competitions.
"We are writing this with overwhelming shock and heartbreak following the loss of our dear Khai. We extend our deepest condolences to Kate, Tim, and younger brother Jet. Khai was a third-generation club member, mentored by grandfather Pete Barley and uncle Adam for years. The trio jointly received awards at the Southern Surf Festival, creating a memorable moment for their family and for the Roaders," the statement read.
Khai's family is devastated by the tragic loss of the 15-year-old boy. Khai's grandfather, Peter Barley, tearfully recounted the tragedy to Nine News.
"This is unimaginably painful... We are deeply wounded. I keep hoping that he will walk through our doors again. Our family is close-knit and strong, I believe we will eventually find ways to heal," he said, unable to hide his devastation.
Nine News reports have confirmed that the entire local community also paid homage to the young surfer. Within two days after the tragedy, the Ethel Beach shoreline was adorned with flowers. The Australian flag fluttering outside a neighboring store was lowered to half-mast in memory of the young surfer.
The attack of the great white shark on the 15-year-old serves as another alarming episode involving sharks in this Australian region. In the recent months, three such incidents have taken place. The heightened activity of sharks is increasingly problematic, given that only eight such episodes have been registered in the past 22 years.
