Paramedics work to try and save Zac Young as his mates wait by after he was attacked by a shark. Photo Frank Redward
"I LOVE you guys" were the last words teenage bodyboarder Zac Young told the friends that pulled him from water after a shark attack took his life on the North Coast.
Mr Young and his friends Lindsy Isaac, Kurt Gillan, 18, and Shayden Schrader, 15, had been surfing 200m from shore at Campbells Beach north of Coffs Harbour when an eight-foot tiger shark came up from behind Zac.
Zac Young’s friends get together at a memorial service at The Point Church in Port Macquarie. Source: News Limited
Zac’s friends comfort each other at a memorial service at The Point Church in Port Macquarie. Source: News Limited
His friend Lindsy Isaac bravely said Zac fought off the shark before he and his friends managed to pull him to shore and call for help.
"It's the scariest thing I've ever done," Lindsy said outside a memorial service at Port Macquarie High School this morning.
Lindsy said the last thing Zac said to them was "I love you guys, I love you so much."
"He died doing what he loved to do," Lindsy said. "He loved God and surfing."
In front of a packed memorial service Zac's father Kevin praised his son's friends before he hugged and kissed them.
"These three young guys didn't run, they didn't run," Mr Young wept. "I want you to know these three guys."
Mr Young told the congregation that he had only heard the real story 15 minutes before the service and that he did not want to go into the details.
"They told me he seemed to be at peace and not in pain," he said.
Zac Young is taken away in an ambulance with emergency workers unable to do anything to help. Picture: Frank Redward Source: No Source
Zac was mauled at Reicks Point surf break, Campbell's Beach, north of Coffs Harbour, NSW, about 2pm yesterday. It is understood both his legs were nearly severed in the attack.
The trio carried him to the beach and began CPR but he died at the scene.
"His mates struggled with the shark for a short time. Then the shark has let go and friends then courageously managed to get him to shore," Inspector Joanna Reid told media at the scene.
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "The swimmers pulled him out of the water but he died of a cardiac arrest."
A police source said swimmers had seen a shape in the water earlier in the day but had discounted any threat.
They said they thought they saw something but decided it was nothing," the source said.
All beaches in Coffs Harbour were closed immediately as local water police patrolled the waters in search of the shark.
The area is home to a break known as The Well, popular among bodyboarders, drawing riders from up and down the coast.
It is next to a deep channel that attracts schools of jewfish and sharks that feed on them.
Zac Young (3rd from left) with some of his friends in a Facebook post. Source: No Source
Zac Young was well loved by his mates who helped to fight the shark off before trying to get him to shore. Picture: Facebook Source: No Source
Zac Young loved surfing. Picture: Supplied Source: News Limited
On Friday, Mr Young had posted a request on his Facebook page asking friends if anyone had a spare board he could borrow.
As word spread about his death, the Port Macquarie Bodyboard Association Facebook page was flooded with tributes from fellow surfers and friends.
"Love you brother. I know you're surfing the sickest barrels in Heaven right now," said Brandon Erga.
Maria Field-Azzopardi added: "A very big loss to the world - what a wonderful young Man."
Jill Cummings said: He had the best smile ... Completely lit up the room with it.
Grant Maniac urged bodyboarders to "look after for each other"
Mr Young, who had been undertaking an internship at non-profit group Youth For Christ, had been celebrating getting his driver's licence ahead of the holidays.
"I only saw him yesterday, we are all shocked," a Youth For Christ spokesman said. "He had just gotten his P-plates, he was always full of life."
Zac Young (right) was undertaking an internship at non-profit group Youth For Christ. Source: No Source
A devout Christian, Mr Young often posted what he described as "life's tips" on his Facebook page.
"God is calling each of us to impact the nations and make history. My prayer is that you find out what your calling is. Make it your vision and go for it," he said.
A few days earlier, he posted another life tip: "Stop looking at what you don't have, and start thanking God for what you do :)"
A NSW Primary Industries shark biologist will travel to the scene to study the attack to help identify the shark.
Greg Hackfath, chief lifeguard for Coffs Harbour City Council, said shark issues in the area were rare.
"We've had two recorded shark attacks ever - that's in 150 years of settlement. So it's highly unusual," Mr Hackfath said.
"We see sharks but the common saying is that you don't worry about them because they're well fed.
"You might see one every now and then but they'd be chasing a school of fish."
Mr Young and his mate Mr Gillan were keen bodyboarding competitors, entering local events and posting pictures online.
SOURCE:NEWS
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