A young surfer has been laid to rest at the place where he surfed his favourite wave after he was killed in a horrific shark attack. Hundreds gathered on Monday to farewell Khai Cowley, 15, who was attacked by a shark while surfing at Ethel Beach at Innes National Park, about 280km from Adelaide, on December 28.
The 15-year-old had travelled to South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula with his father on a surf trip. His father was on the beach as emergency services rushed to the area at 1.30pm following reports of a shark attack. A witness pulled Khai’s body from the water, but he could not be saved. More than 500 guests were expected to gather at his favourite beach on Monday at Seaford to pay their respects.
Flowers and tributes were set up on the beach, with a touching message left from some of the boy’s surfer mates.’Forever in our hearts Khai,’ a touching note said. ‘It has been a pleasure sharing the waves with you over the years and I will miss you so much.
‘Forever a much loved bowl rat.’ A wooden bench seat facing the water has been adorned with native flowers, shells and photographs of Khai with his friends. His funeral notice invited family and friends to farewell him at the seaside service at ‘the Bowl’ at Seaford Reef.
‘To be held at Khai’s favourite wave, the Bowl (the end of Seaford Rd, Esplanade),’ the notice read. ‘The service will be held outdoors on the foreshore on the sand and will be a one-hour service. ‘Friends and family are encouraged to wear your club shirt for Khai (surf/football club) or casual beach attire.’
The local council issued a public notice on their Facebook page to alert locals ahead of the ‘significant turnout’. ‘Council has been advised that a gathering of more than 500 guests is anticipated to honour and remember the 15-year-old,’ the notice read.
‘[He] was a cherished son, brother, grandson, nephew, friend, surfing and football club teammate, and student.’ ‘We acknowledge this may cause some inconvenience, and we thank you for your kindness and understanding for the family and their guests as they prepare to farewell their beloved Khai at his favourite beach.’