A 15-year-old surfer, Khai Cowley, tragically lost his life in a shark attack at a remote beach on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula.
The incident occurred near Ethel Beach in the Innes National Park, where Khai was surfing with his father around 1:30 pm. The attack believed to be by a great white shark, resulted in Khai being pulled from the water after his leg was bitten off.
Tim Philip, a local surfer, witnessed the attack and described his efforts to save Khai. Seeing the teenager in trouble and the father yelling from the rocks, Philip borrowed a surfboard and paddled out to assist. Despite his efforts, he was forced to retreat when the shark, estimated to be around 13 feet long, began circling him.
Philip managed to bring Khai back to shore, but paramedics could not save the young surfer. This incident marks the fifth shark attack in South Australia in 2023.
Khai Cowley, on a family holiday at the time, was remembered as a “talented” and “keen” surfer with “so much potential”. Friends and family shared heartfelt tributes on social media, expressing their sorrow and remembering Khai as someone who held a special place in many hearts.
Khai Cowley’s aunt, Lauryn Barley, has initiated a fundraiser to assist with funeral expenses, remembering Khai as a teen with the “most beautiful soul”. Surfing South Australia also paid homage to Khai, acknowledging him as a “happy, kind, and respectful kid” and expressing condolences to his family and friends.
