Authorities have discovered fragments of a wetsuit and the presumed remains of a surfboard after a school teacher was attacked by a shark while surfing on Saturday.
Crisis administrations were called to reports of a shark assault at Walkers Rock Oceanside, on the west shore of South Australia, on Saturday, South Australia police said in a proclamation.
The 46-year-old man has not been identified by authorities, but the nearby Elliston Area School has confirmed that he is Simon Baccanello, a mathematics, science, and physical education teacher who is referred to as "Mr B" by students.
According to the school's website, "Students today have remembered Mr B as a true gentleman, an enthusiastic mentor, and a kind, thoughtful soul who was always so giving of his time for others."
It continued, describing Baccanello as an "avid surfer and keen fisherman," adding, "This is a tragic loss of a quality educator, valued colleague, and a remarkable man who was a true friend to everyone." Baccanello was also a true friend to everyone.
“Two items of interest about the search for a missing surfer, presumed dead after a shark attack,” the police said in a statement on Monday.
According to the police, who are sending the items for forensic analysis, one appears to be a piece of wetsuit material and the other to be small pieces of white polystyrene, possibly from the surfboard.
Trevlyn Smith, an SES unit manager, previously stated to CNN affiliate 9 News that the surfboard's remains had a "one bite mark."
Emergency services said they would continue to search the area and the beaches nearby in the coming days after high tide after consulting with Baccanello's family.
9 News reports that his family released a statement describing his passing as a "tragic loss."
As per his LinkedIn profile, Baccanello began his stretch at the Elliston Region School in January.
According to 9 News, the school's principal, Chad Fleming, "had a real keenness with his students to make them feel good to build those relationships with the students."
A statement was also posted on Facebook by Pulteney Grammar School, where Baccanello taught in Adelaide from 2007 to 2009, and then in 2022.
According to the announcement, "He is well remembered by the school community as a fine teacher, a generous friend, and a genuine, authentic human being."
Shark assaults are somewhat uncommon off South Australia - as per the Australian Shark Episode Data set, there were 20 shark experiences in 2022, bringing about 14 wounds and one demise.
South Australia just contributed one case that elaborate on no injury.A 16-year-old girl from Perth, Western Australia, was killed by a shark in February while swimming in a river.
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