While a steady stream of mourners left tributes at a Falcon beach on Saturday morning, the water where 29-year-old Ben Gerring was attacked by a shark on Tuesday remained deserted.
Shortly after Tuesday’s emergency, it was suggested a miracle was needed for Mr Gerring to survive.
Sadly, there was no miracle, and the hopes and prayers of a whole community were not enough to save the popular local surfer.
Mr Gerring died on Friday evening as a result of horrific injuries sustained in the attack.
His death is the first attributed to a shark attack in the Peel region.
A hunt launched by Fisheries officers on Wednesday morning led to the death of a 4.2-metre white shark which was hooked on drum lines set in the area Mr Gerring had been surfing.
The beach was reopened on Friday, having been closed since the attack.
On Saturday, locals laid flowers in memory of Mr Gerring at the beach.
“I will always remember the good times mate,” wrote one friend.
“You will be missed forever.”
