Dad watched on in horror as 13ft shark killed his surfer son in 'nightmare' attack

A dad of a keen surfer was forced to watch on in horror as his son was killed by a 13ft shark at a popular Australian beach.

15-year-old Khai Cowley was pulled from Ethel Beach in Australia last December, just minutes after the awful incident.

The attack happened in the Innes National Park, sending shockwaves across the local community.

Khai's leg was bitten off by the shark, as witnesses say his horrified father looked on in utter horror.

The dad treated his son to a post-Christmas visit to the beach so he could practice his skills.

But the day ended in tragedy, with one person who witnessed the whole thing speaking to the Adelaide Advertiser in the aftermath.

Khai Cowley died last December (Facebook/Khai Cowley)

They said: "The shark took his leg, and so another local guy ran out, jumped on his board and paddled out to help him.

"The shark was circling them as the guy pulled the boy out of the water. There was a lot of blood.

"He brought him to shore but I think it was too late by then."

Huge crowds gathered at his favorite Seaford beach in January to honour Khai at his funeral, including his heartbroken father, as the local council said more than 500 guests were set to attend the vigil.

Mourners carried the teen's coffin through a guard of honour, as Khai's younger brother, Jett, walked ahead holding his surfboard.

Jett paid tribute to the 'best big brother ever' in an emotional funeral.

Tim Cowley, Khai's father, said: "It’s so cruel that he’s been taken from us at such a young age."

A touching tribute at the funeral (9News)

Speaking of his love for surfing, the dad added: "Most of the time it was beyond my ability, leaving me no choice but to sit on the beach and watch my beautiful boy do what he loved.

"We miss you so much. You filled our lives with so many beautiful memories. I’m so sorry it went the way it did."

A GoFundMe page was set up in Khai's memory, with his aunt, Lauryn Barley writing that Khai was 'suddenly taken ... by a white pointer at Ethel Wreck'.

"I’m here to try help raise funds for my sister, Kate and brother, Tim to cover the cost of the funeral service," a family friend posted alongside the donation. "Life can change in a second and we are never prepared."

Many believed Khai was destined to reach the top in surfing, ranking as the 146th under 18 surfer in Australia before his tragic death.