Police in South Australia are launching a search operation for the body of a 55-year-old surfer who is believed to have been killed in a shark attack on Tuesday. The incident occurred around 10:20 a.m. near Granites Beach, south of Streaky Bay on the Eyre Peninsula. Witnesses reported seeing the surfer being attacked by a shark while he was out with approximately 12 other surfers.

Eyewitnesses described the terrifying ordeal, with one witness telling 7News in Australia that the shark "grabbed him, pulled him back down, brought him back up, pulled him back down again." Efforts to rescue the surfer were unfortunately unsuccessful. The search for his body resumed on Wednesday morning after authorities and local volunteers combed the area by air and water.

Though the specific species of shark responsible for the attack has not been officially identified, veteran surfer Jeff Schmucker, who witnessed the incident, believed it to be a 13-foot great white shark. Schmucker rushed to help the surfer but found only the victim's surfboard, which bore a significant bite mark.

Shark sightings are not uncommon off the coast of South Australia, prompting authorities to warn individuals to be vigilant when engaging in water activities in the area. Superintendent Paul Bahr of the South Australia Police emphasized the importance of understanding the risks associated with surfing or entering the water. He stated, "Anyone who is going to be surfing or taking to the water in this area really does need to be aware of the risks, and I think, in the main, most people are."

Search efforts will continue as authorities work tirelessly to locate the missing surfer's body.