Simon Baccanello, a 46-year-old teacher and surfer, was killed by a shark at Walkers Rock on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula West Coast on Saturday, May 13, 2023, after warning other surfers and swimmers to get out of the water. His remains were never found despite a comprehensive rescue operation by emergency crews.
Teacher's final warning
Baccanello, known as "Mr B" to his pupils, had recently started teaching mathematics, science and physical education at the neighbourhood school in Elliston, his adopted home near the renowned surf break. On the morning of the attack, he was among fellow wave riders and youngsters when the predator was sighted lurking in the waters.
He reportedly shouted warnings for people to evacuate the sea but could not reach safety himself before the shark struck. Onlookers reported spotting a 10-foot beast with a pale belly cruising in the vicinity. Shortly before 10am, the predator ambushed Baccanello from behind, dragging him beneath the surface and staining the water crimson.
Witness describes ordeal
Jaiden Miller, 22 at the time, told Adelaide Now: "There was a bloke on the beach tooting his horn and as I turned around, I saw everyone paddling in. I saw his board tombstoning, which means he's underwater and his board's getting dragged under... trying to fight his way back up to the surface... he was gone. (We) saw the shark just thrashing around out the back. The shark obviously let go and come back and got him for a third time."
Baccanello's surfboard was described as "tombstoning" - surfer slang for a board standing upright in the water - during the ordeal. His concern for the younger surfers sharing the water with him probably meant he stayed towards the rear of the group, positioning himself furthest from shore's safety and nearest to the predator.
Species and ecological role
While the exact species responsible for the attack remains unconfirmed, experts widely suspect it was a great white shark. These creatures serve as crucial apex predators, playing an essential role in maintaining oceanic health. White Shark Ocean explains they "play a vital role in keeping other animal populations in check" by "preying on seals and sea lions" which assists in "control their numbers, which, in turn, safeguards the equilibrium of fish populations".
White Shark Ocean continues: "This delicate balance ensures the sustainability and health of the entire food web." Many encounters between humans and sharks are cases of mistaken identity, with famished sharks erroneously identifying a human as a seal or sea lion, or another suitable prey.
Legacy remembered
In an interview with 7NEWS, his younger sister Lydia Baccanello reminisced about her brother's legacy. Speaking about the school where he was employed at the time of his passing, she said: "Simon was only there for really five months, and in that short period of time he made such a difference. We know that now after speaking to a lot of his students, speaking to the staff and the community at Elliston, just how really amazing he was."
