Victim of SA shark attack identified as beloved 28-year-old

The victim of a suspected fatal shark attack in South Australia has been identified as 28-year-old Port Lincoln man Lance Appleby.

The search for the 28-year-old's body is continuing off an Eyre Peninsula beach today.

Just before 7pm last night, Appleby was surfing near Granites Beach, south of Streaky Bay on the Eyre Peninsula, when witnesses say a shark attacked him.

The victim of a shark attack off an Eyre Peninsula beach has been identified as Port Lincoln man Lance Appleby. The search for the body of a shark attack victim will continue off a South Australian beach today.

A jetskier retrieved his surfboard as the authorities were called.

Local Jeff Schumucker told 9News that Appleby was a beloved member of the community and had been visiting his family for Christmas.

He also described the moment locals witnessed the attack.

"There were people in the carpark that saw him catch the wave, he rode it right to the end and flicked out, then proceeded to paddle back and he was taken not long after he flicked off the wave," Schumucker said.

Police and the SES initiated a search along with local volunteers, but the man's body could not be found.

An air, land, and water search is continuing today.

The beach remains closed to the public.

Any witnesses are asked to provide their details to local police, or to contact 131 444.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

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