Mathieu Schiller, former 1994 French bodyboarding champion, has passed away after being attacked by a shark, in Saint-Paul, Reunion Island. The death of the rider and lifeguard has shocked his friends, family and the world bodyboarding community. The body of the rider hasn't been found.
Schiller was an experienced bodyboarder who had founded his "Surf's Cool", at Boucan Canot. World bodyboarding champion Amaury Lavernhe is deeply saddened with the sudden death of his friend.
"This attack affects me because it was someone I knew very well. He was my idol when I was young. I have an autograph from Matthew Schiller at home. Today he was a very good friend. Last week we had an evening together for the anniversary of a friend, and it was really great. I can't believe what happened", said Lavernhe.
When Mathieu Schiller was attacked, the red flag was up in the beach, which raises the question of board sports and the respect for the swimmer's rules.
"The red flag is for swimmers. There was a swell of about two meters so it was dangerous for Boucant Canot swimmers and not at all for the surf. We surf in these conditions for most of the year. The water was clear it was three in the afternoon and I think that there was no danger", explains Lavernhe.
Last July, the world bodyboarding champion had warned and pleaded for more prevention. "The first step should have been made in February when there was the first attack on a surfer. There are ways to live with sharks and many countries are doing it like as South Africa, Hawaii, Australia", adds Amaury.
Saint-Gilles is living emotional times.