South Australia shark attack: Elliston teacher Simon Baccanello feared dead after mauling
Tributes pour for beloved teacher who was feared dead after being attacked by a shark while surfing
- Popular school teacher feared dead
- Simon Baccanello, 46, attacked by shark
- Started at Elliston Area School in January
A beloved school teacher believed dead after being mauled by a shark on a popular beach has been identified.
Emergency services rushed to Elliston, on South Australia’s west coast, on Saturday morning after reports that a surfer had been attacked by a shark off Walkers Rock.
An extensive search has been launched for the man believed to have died in the attack. His body had not been found on Saturday evening.
The man has since identified himself as local teacher Simon Baccanello, 46, who had started working at Elliston Area School in January.
Elliston Area School teacher Simon Baccanello is feared dead after a shark attack
“He’s just been a good teacher to the kids,” a shocked resident told the Adelaide Advertiser.
“In a small town like this, it affects everyone.”
A teenage boy, 13, was among those in the water who witnessed the horrific incident.
“It was such a confrontational incident. There were 15 or 20 people today. “It could have been anyone,” Jaiden Millar said.
He saw the surfboard of the teacher ‘tombstones’ about 500 meters offshore.
‘He was gone. (We) just saw the shark scurrying around in the back. The shark obviously let go and came back to take it a third time,’ Mr Millar said
The South Australian Ambulance Service told NCA NewsWire they had crews on standby on the beach while SA police conducted the search.
Helicopters and boats continue to search the waters off Elliston on the Eyre Peninsula.
After Saturday’s shark attack, an extensive search was launched for Simon Baccanello. His body has yet to be recovered
SAPOL confirmed that the search was ongoing, involving members of the community and the SES.
Superintendent Paul Bahr, Eyre and Western Local Service Area Officer in Charge, thanked the local community for their assistance during the search.
“It’s not easy when it’s a local stakeholder, but we commend their strength and their will to help,” said Chief Inspector Bahr.
“We will continue to search using local emergency services and other resources.”
Elliston is located approximately 400 miles from Adelaide and is a popular destination for tourists for its pristine beaches.
The beloved teacher went missing near Elliston on South Australia’s west coast (pictured)