A shark attack at Ethel Beach in South Australia’s Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park resulted in the tragic death of 15-year-old Khai Cowley on December 29, 2023. The incident, which occurred around 1:30 p.m., marks the third fatal shark attack in the state this year.
Cowley, a skilled young surfer hailing from Adelaide, was surfing at Ethel Beach, a site renowned for its challenging surf. The beach, nestled near the historic Ethel shipwreck and framed by impressive cliffs, is a popular destination for surfers, especially during holiday periods.
The attack on Cowley was sudden and severe, resulting in a severe bite that resulted in the loss of his leg. Despite the swift response from emergency services, his injuries proved fatal.
The news has left the South Australian surfing community in shock and grief. Local surfer Luke Sykora captured the community’s sorrow, pointing out the unusual nature of such attacks in the area despite the known presence of sharks.
Shark expert Andrew Fox suggests that the overcast weather and the presence of fish near the surf area could have contributed to the conditions favorable for a shark attack. He also mentioned that slightly cloudy water could heighten the risk of encounters with sharks.
The year 2023 has seen an alarming rise in shark attacks in South Australia. In addition to Cowley’s untimely death, fatal attacks were also reported in May and October. In May, school teacher Simon Baccanello was believed to have been killed in a shark attack at Walkers Rock Beach, while in October, Tod Gendle, 55, succumbed to a fatal shark bite at Granites Beach on the west coast of the state. In both cases, the bodies were not recovered. A 32-year-old woman also survived a shark attack near Adelaide at Port Noarlunga Beach in November.
The escalating number of shark attacks has raised concerns and led to the implementation of precautionary measures, such as temporary prohibitions on school field trips to the state’s beaches.
In light of Cowley’s tragic demise, his aunt, Lauryn Barley, started a GoFundMe campaign to help the family cope with the funeral expenses.
The incident has sparked renewed discussions on shark safety measures and public education campaigns. While shark nets and other deterrent strategies are under consideration, the vast and remote nature of South Australia’s coastline poses significant challenges.
As the community comes to terms with this unfortunate event, tributes for Cowley, who had a promising future in surfing, continue to flow in, celebrating his love for the sport.