Shark attacks 15-year-old in front of father as horrific mauling leaves young surfer dead

The horrific attack took place in front of the boy's father.

He died despite the best efforts of another local to save him from the shark.

"The shark took his leg, and so another local guy ran out, jumped on his board and paddled out to help him," one eye-witness told local media.

"The shark was circling them as the guy pulled the boy out of the water.

"There was a lot of blood.

"He brought him to shore but I think it was too late by then."

The attack was reported to police at about 1.30pm today.

Emergency services tried to desperately save the boy but he was announced dead at the scene.

It is unclear exactly what type of shark was responsible for the tragic death.

Paying tribute, a family friend wrote on social media: "A boy with so much potential.

"He will hold a place in everyone's heart."

There have been multiple shark attacks in South Australia in recent months, with several fatalities registered by authorities.

Speaking after today's mauling, a local fisherman said: "We've seen some pretty big bronzies in the area, but that's normal here.

"I went to take the boat out and the road to Ethel's was blocked by rangers.
"There's no cell reception out there in the park so we didn't know what had happened until we got back to Marion Bay."