Locals are still looking for the body of surfer who was taken by a shark in South Australia.

The family have also released new photos of him, as friends spoke of their loss.

“That beaming smile that I’m seeing in all the photos as well, really describes him, he’s got the cheeky eyes, he has just made friends everywhere he’s went, and not just friends but really deep connections,” friend Kayla Petty said.

Appleby was tragically taken by a great white shark while surfing at Granites Beach near Streaky Bay on Thursday evening.

Mayor Travis Barber, who has known the Appleby family for 25 years, says despite the search being called off yesterday, locals were back out looking today.

“I was 15 minutes down the road when it happened and I got the call so I was on site pretty much straight away,” he said.

“We started the search just after seven o’clock and searched right through till a bit after lunchtime yesterday.”

He said the family was in shock.

“One minute they’re OK and the next minute they’re inconsolable,” he said.

District Council of Streaky Bay today flew the flag at half mast in memory of Appleby.

His family have thanked police and emergency services for their dedicated search efforts across four days

“It just means a lot to them that everyone is trying to do as much as they can for the family,” Petty said.

“They’re so incredibly overwhelmed with the love.”

A memorial will be held next Monday at the town hall.