Attacks on the rise: Teen dies in front of family members in shark attack

The tragic accident happened at 1.30pm (local time), police said on Thursday. The victim was 14 years old, broadcaster ABC reported. The boy was about 40 meters offshore at the time, according to other media reports.

Attracted by schools of salmon
Just two days ago, sharks were spotted in the area. They may have been hunting as there are larger schools of salmon in the waters at the moment. “I’ve seen a few sharks here in 22 years, but this was the first fatal attack here,” a local surfer told ABC.

Family members had to witness gruesome scenes
The victim had traveled with his family from Adelaide, about 300 kilometers away, for a surfing trip, 9News reported. The relatives may have witnessed the attack from the coast. The approximately 450 meter long Ethel Beach, located on the Yorke Peninsula, is very popular with surfers and is especially well visited during the current summer holidays in Australia.

Increase in shark attacks
It was the third fatal shark attack in the state of South Australia this year; a few months ago, two men were fatally injured in shark attacks. Their bodies were never found. In November, a 32-year-old woman was attacked by a shark off the coast of South Australia, seriously injuring her head. In October, a 64-year-old woman survived an attack with serious injuries to her leg.

Measures required
Given the increasing number of attacks, calls for more protection for surfers and swimmers in the region are growing louder. Unlike other states, South Australia does not use waterfalls or nets to keep sharks at bay, ABC reported. However, there are patrols with aerial surveillance. The region’s Greens demanded the state subsidize shark repellent for swimmers.