A bodyboarder, David Lilienfeld, has suffered fatal injuries at popular surfing spot, Koeël Bay, near Gordons Bay, earlier today. Due to the nature of the location, medical air rescue services were still on their way to the scene, but members of the bodyboarding community were expressing their shock at the loss of the individual across social networks.

The attack is believed to have occurred at around 13h00, and several sources, including some who were at the scene, have confirmed the attack was fatal.

On Facebook, Matt Webster, said:

There was a #sharkattack at koel bay 30mins ago

To which the reply, from Ivan Newmark, was:

Yes. Was fatal. Still trying to find out who the bodyboarder is.. Kak

Other witnesses reported that the attack was violent.

Sven Thoresen tweeted the following image, in which the animal is clearly visible:

The shark is visible in the middle of the image…

It was preceded by the comment:

Shark attack Cool Bay, CT 15 min ago on a surfer. Shark 4.5m in the surf. Surfer on rocks

Emergency services were on their way to the scene.

The attack comes in the wake of controversy surrounding chumming off the Cape coast by Great White documentary film crews.

The next of kin were still to be informed, and therefore 2oceansVibe has withheld the victim’s identity.

David Lilienfeld’s father has identified his son as the victim.

Condolences go to the family and friends of David, as well as the entire surfing community.