Teen surfing champion Elio Canestri was reportedly killed Sunday morning in a shark attack off the coast of the Indian ocean island of Reunion.
Elio, 13, was attacked by a shark while out surfing with seven others, a spokesman for the French territory’s rescue services agency told NBC News.
As the teen prepared to surf a wave, the shark took hold of his midsection and flung him around in the water, the spokesman added.
“A boat was launched very quickly, and the victim was dragged out of the sea, but he died from his wounds,” the spokesman said, declining to give his name due to company policy, NBC News reported. “Those who witnessed the attack, including other children, are being treated for trauma.”
Hundreds of people paid tribute to the young surfing star, including professional surfer Jeremy Flores, a Reunion native.
“ANOTHER shark attack in Reunion island this morning,” Mr. Flores wrote in an Instagram post. “13 years old Elio was one of our best up and coming surfer. Words can’t describe how sad and angry i am. So young !!! Heart breaking News . RIP.”
There have been 16 shark attacks, seven of them fatal, in the island’s waters over the past four years, NBC News reported.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.