The son of a man tragically killed in a shark attack has issued a powerful plea for better protection for swimmers and surfers from ocean predators. The call comes after his father, 55-year-old Simon Baccanello, was fatally attacked while surfing at a remote South Australian beach.
A Fatal Encounter at Walkers Rock Beach
On a Saturday morning in May 2023, Simon Baccanello, a respected high school teacher and father from Coffin Bay, was surfing with friends at Walkers Rock Beach on the Eyre Peninsula. The popular surf spot, located near the town of Elliston, was the scene of the devastating incident.
Witnesses reported seeing Mr. Baccanello knocked off his board by a large shark, estimated to be a great white. Despite the immediate efforts of his friends and emergency services, he could not be saved. His body was recovered from the water later that day.
The attack occurred around 10:30 am on May 27, 2023. It sent shockwaves through the tight-knit local community and the wider surfing fraternity, for whom Mr. Baccanello was a beloved figure.
A Son's Grief and a Call to Action
In the wake of the tragedy, Simon's son, Jack Baccanello, has spoken out. He believes more must be done to protect people who use the ocean for recreation. While not calling for the culling of sharks, Jack argues that current measures are insufficient.
"People need more protection from these ocean predators," Jack stated. He expressed frustration that popular beaches in metropolitan areas often have nets or drumlines, while regional and remote beaches frequented by locals and tourists are left with minimal safeguards.
Jack emphasised that his father was an experienced waterman who loved the ocean. His death highlights that even skilled individuals are vulnerable. The family's grief is compounded by the feeling that the risk could be better managed with improved safety infrastructure and surveillance in high-risk areas.
Community Response and Ongoing Safety Debates
The attack near Elliston reignited the perennial and complex debate about shark management in Australia. Local authorities and Surf Life Saving South Australia often patrol popular beaches, but the vast coastline makes constant surveillance impossible.
Following the incident, traditional owners from the Barngarla community performed a smoking ceremony at the beach to heal the country and honour the victim. The community's deep sorrow was palpable.
Experts point out that the Eyre Peninsula is a known habitat for great white sharks. Incidents, while rare, have occurred there before. The discussion often centres on balancing human safety with marine conservation, a challenge for policymakers.
Jack Baccanello's heartfelt appeal adds a powerful, personal voice to this discussion. It underscores a demand for equitable safety measures across all Australian beaches, not just those near major cities. As communities continue to grapple with coexisting with marine life, the call for innovative and effective protection strategies grows louder.
