Surfer Khai Cowley, 15, is named as victim of Ethel Beach, South Australia shark attack: Details emerge of final moments during paddle out with dad

The talented teenage surfer who died in a shark attack on a remote beach in South Australia has been named Khai Cowley, 15.

The boy died after his leg was bitten off during the attack and he was pulled from the water near Ethel Beach in Innes National Park, on South Australia's Yorke Peninsula, about 1.30pm on Thursday.

Witnesses said the horrific attack unfolded in front of his shocked father, who had brought his son there from their home in Seaford, Adelaide.

Just two weeks ago, Khai – who was ranked 146th under 18 across Australia – was named 'most outstanding growler' by his local surf club Seaview Road Board Riders.

The boy died after his leg was bitten off in the attack and he was pulled from the water near Ethel Beach in Innes National Park, on South Australia's Yorke Peninsula, on Thursday.

“The shark grabbed his leg, so another local man ran out, jumped on his board and paddled out to help him,” a local man told the Adelaide Advertiser.

'The shark circled them as the man pulled the boy out of the water. There was a lot of blood.

“He brought it to shore, but I think it was too late by then.”

Emergency services desperately tried to save the teenager, but his injuries were unsurvivable.

Friends have paid tribute to the youngster online, with one message on social media reading: 'Fly high Kai – lots of love and I miss you already'.

His aunt Lauryn Barley now has one GoFundMe appeal to raise money for the family in the aftermath of the tragedy.

“Our beloved Khai was suddenly taken from us by a white pointer while surfing at Ethel Wreck off the coast of Yorke Penisula,” she wrote.

'I'm here to try and raise money for my sister, Kate and brother, Tim, to cover the costs of the funeral service.'

A family friend added: 'Life can change in a second and we are never prepared.

“Our friend Khai's son and grandson died yesterday in a shark attack that has rocked not just a family, but an entire community.

“As a community we are coming together and this is one way we can support this family now. Thank you for your kindness.”

Another added: 'A boy with so much potential. He will hold a place in everyone's hearts.'

The shark attack, near Ethel Beach (pictured) in Innes National Park, on the Yorke Peninsula, was reported to police at around 1.30pm on Thursday.

A local fisherman said large sharks are a common sight along Marion Bay in Innes National Park.

“We've seen some pretty big bronzies in the area, but that's normal here,” he said.

'I went out on the boat and the road to Ethel's was blocked by rangers.

“There is no mobile reception in the park so we didn't know what had happened until we got back to Marion Bay.”

There have been several shark attacks in South Australia in recent months.

Bridgette O'Shannessy, 32, (left) was attacked in November while swimming with her partner off a reef at Port Noarlunga, south of Adelaide, while Tod Gendle, 55, (right) was killed by a four meter long white rooster while surfing near Granite Rock, near Streaky Bay, on October 31

In mid-November, Bridgette O'Shannessy, 32, was attacked while swimming with her partner off a reef in Port Noarlunga, south of Adelaide.

Ms O'Shannessy had to undergo two operations at Flinders Medical Center after losing some of her teeth and suffering nerve damage.

Her attack came just weeks after 55-year-old surfer Tod Gendle was mauled to death by a massive 4.2 meter great white shark near Granite Rock south of Streaky Bay, SA.

Witnesses described the moment the shark lunged at the surfer before being dragged underwater by the animal.

South Australian woman Pamela Cook was also mauled by a shark in Beachport on October 2.

The 64-year-old was swimming with local community group Beachport Sea Urchins and Slugs when she was attacked shortly before 8am.

Several months earlier in May, 46-year-old Elliston man Simon Baccanello was killed in a shark attack at Walkers Rocks Beach.

More to follow