Teenage Shark Attack Victim Left a Note for His Mother Before Horrifying Surfing Encounter Once

The blue waters are filled with adventures and dangers. And surfers who go chasing the tides face imminent challenges such as shark attacks. In 2015, Elio Canestri, a 13-year-old teenager belonging to the French island of Reunion became a victim of a shark attack. It was one among the multiple attacks witnessed by the Reunion.

Elio Canestri was a passionate surfer and went out on an oceanic expedition with his friends on a Sunday morning. While preparing to mount a wave, Eliot was attacked by the shark which pierced its teeth into his stomach injuring him badly.

Elio Canestri’s note of assurance to mother before being confronted by a Shark 

The boy was immediately rescued from the sea but he succumbed to his injuries. Eliot before leaving for surfing that day, assured his mother with a note that he would keep himself protected from the imminent dangers of the ocean. According to NBC News, he wrote in the note, ” Don’t worry, Mom! I’m going surfing. If there’s no security, I won’t surf.” But fate had different plans for Eliot.

The boy’s father, Giovanni Canestri, recollected that his son was always very careful while venturing into the waters to pursue his passion for surfing. Eliot, nicknamed Titi always listened to his parents. “He analyzed danger intelligently, he was a competitor,” said Eliot’s father.

Read More: “Its Upper Jaws Had My Leg”: American Surfer Foiled a Great White Shark Attack in the Most Bizarre Way Earlier This Year

The island is not unknown for its shark attacks and has banned all water-based activities unless spotters are present. Over four years (2011-2014) the place has seen 16 shark attacks out of which 7 of them were fatal. French Surfing Federation president, Jean Luc Arassus, offered condolences to the family and said “It was impossible to blame the young boy”  for the incident. He called for more measures to prevent such attacks 

Eliot’s father remembers his son being always very careful

The incident has left the spectators, including children traumatized. Tributes poured in for the budding surfing champion. Jeremy Flores, a professional surfer shared the tragic news on his Instagram account describing the teen as “ one of our best up-and-coming surfers.”

Eliot’s friends posted a tribute video on YouTube for him. A Facebook memory page was created to cherish his memories, as well. It is disheartening to know that a passionate teenager lost his life while chasing his dreams. Do you think there’s a way to prevent these fatalities in the future? 

Watch the story here: Surfer repeatedly punched Great White Shark to remove his 35-year-old wife from the jaws of death once.