Grim update after a surfer, 28, was mauled by a great white shark in front of traumatised beachgoers at a notorious break – as local fisherman reveals sinister detail about the tragedy

A five-day search for the remains of a beloved surfer who died in a shark attack at a notorious hot spot while visiting family over Christmas has been called off.

Lance Appleby, 28, was mauled by a suspected great white shark at The Granites on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula on Thursday evening.

His body has yet to be recovered from the same beach where another surfer was beaten to death by a great white rooster a year ago.

Authorities on Sunday suspended the extensive search for Appleby’s body.

“Police, with the assistance of SES, CVS, councilors including the mayor, and locals, have searched the area over the past four days but unfortunately have not yet located his body,” a police statement said.

“Police would like to thank everyone who helped during the tragic incident. A report will be prepared for the State Coroner.”

The news was a blow to Mr Appleby’s family, who are locals to the Eyre Peninsula, an area known for high shark activity.

Another fisherman warned locals on social media to watch out for an ‘aggressive’ great white shark at Granite Beach, just hours before Appleby was attacked.

“Large whitesighted behaving aggressively near Granites, Streaky Bay,” the fisherman posted on Facebook.

It is unknown whether Mr Appleby was aware of the warning.

In an emotional tribute on Saturday, Appleby’s brother wrote that the family was happy he died “doing what he loved” and will now be “forever young, forever surfing, forever loved.”

‘The pain we feel as a family is impossible to describe. We are absolutely devastated and there is a gaping hole in our hearts,” Kenneth Appleby wrote.

“The only comfort we can find is knowing that Lance was doing what he loved, with a bright smile on his face.

“Lance was the best brother we could ever ask for. He was caring, very loyal, compassionate and always up for adventure.

“He wore his heart on his sleeve and was never afraid to express or talk about his emotions.”

The brother added that Appleby “loved sports, traveling, FaceTiming family, coffee, bear hugs, fulfilling his uncle’s duties and most of all, spending time with his friends.”

‘We would give anything to get him back. Forever young, forever surfing, forever loved,” he said.

It is understood Mr Appleby moved to the Gold Coast for work in 2023 but returned to the Eyre Peninsula at Christmas to visit family.

His workshop, Allconstruct Interiors Pty Ltd, shared a tribute to the 28-year-old, writing: ‘RIP to the great young talent Lance Appleby, was a big part of the Allconstruct team last year and became fast friends.’

Appleby’s football club, Marble Range, also paid heartfelt tribute on Saturday evening.

“A talented footballer with a heart of gold, who always had a smile on his face or could tell a joke,” the South Australian club said.

‘An all-round down-to-earth person who was loved by everyone in our community.

“Lance will be greatly missed by everyone, but will forever be part of our history as a member of our 2021 premiership team.”

A GoFundMe as Mr Appleby raised over $93.00 in 24 hours.

The page states that the money would go towards a memorial plaque for Mr Appleby and help ease the financial pressure on his grieving family

Family friend Jeff Schmucker recalled seeing Mr. Appleby dragged underwater by a shark.

“He caught a wave, turned away from the wave and paddled back, and he was attacked,” Mr. Schmucker previously said. Seven news.

A man on a jet ski ran out to help Mr Appleby but could only find his board.

“He confirmed that the board had a bite mark on the bottom and the rope had been cut in half,” Mr Schmucker said.

The local fisherman added that the close-knit community had been hit “so hard” by the attack.

Locals have called for a hunt for the shark, which is believed to be a great white shark.

“If they want to do something about it, they need to do it now,” Schmucker said.

“The fishing industry has the power to issue a destruction order, but the government doesn’t have the balls.”

Mr Appleby’s death follows that of Tod Gendle, who was killed by a four-metre great white shark while surfing on the same beach in October 2023.