A snorkeller is thought to be the victim of a shark attack after going missing in front of his horrified family during a holiday swim.
A Victorian man disappeared in the waters off Surfers Way near Port MacDonnell in the south-east of South Australia, at around 5pm on Thursday, sparking an immediate search.
The 32-year-old man was holidaying with his family, when they lost sight of him snorkelling close to the beach.
32-year-old snorkeller who went missing at Surfers Way beach in South Australia, is believed to be a victim of a shark attack after a damaged wetsuit was found (pictured: stock image)
A Victorian man is thought to be the victim of a shark attack while snorkelling in Surfers Way near Port MacDonnell in South Australia (pictured)
‘We do have grave fears for this person but we will do everything we can and we’ll put every effort into trying to locate him,’ Limestone Coast Police operation manager Campbell Hill told The Advertiser.
PolAir, SES Crews, Fisheries SA and local volunteers continued their search for the man on Friday morning, but police now suspect he may be the victim of a shark attack.
A damaged wetsuit and flippers, believed to belong to the missing man, were found by PolAir and Police Water Operations members on Friday morning.
SA Police have described the situation as ‘tragic’, when PolAir spotted a shark in the area during the search and rescue operation.
South Australia police believe the snorkeller was a victim to a shark attack after a damaged wet suit and flippers were found and a shark was spotted near the area (pictured: stock image)
Following the new discovery, the air and sea search is now being scaled back.
Inspector Hill said he was grateful for the ‘tremendous assistance’ from local members and the public on the search.
‘They’ve been able to come help us with the local knowledge of the water and local landmarks, we did have people out on paddle boards and people are very willing and we’re incredibly grateful.’
The police investigation is now leading to a report to be prepared for the Coroner.
PolAir, SES Crews (pictured) Fisheries SA and local volunteers started their search for the missing snorkeller on Thursday evening and resumed on Friday morning