A teen surfer was killed off the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion in what was the 16^th shark attack on the island in four years.

Elio Canestri, a 13-year-old surfing champion, was surfing with friends in an off-limits area of the coast when the shark attacked him on Sunday morning. The shark tore the right side of the teen's body.

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The boy suffered shocking injuries to his arms, legs and stomach. Rescuers who responded immediately were unable to save him. 

Authorities instantly launched a post-attack procedure in a bid to capture the killer shark. Specialized boats were deployed, which targeted the area near the place of the attack. 

A few hours later, the team was able to capture and kill a tiger shark measuring more than 3.5 meters.  However, medical examination of Elio's body suggested that it was not the same shark that killed the boy.

Local police chief Dominique Sorain once again reminded surfers not to swim and engage in water-based activities in off-limits section of the waters, at it is extremely dangerous.

"More than ever, we have to be doubly vigilant and the best way to prevent accidents is to respect the ban," said Sorain.

Elio was known to be a talented surfer even at his very young age. He was the 16^th shark attack victim on the island since 2011 and the seventh recorded death.

Hundreds spontaneously gathered at the beach in what seems to be a tribute to the young surfer.  Professional surfer Jeremy Flores led tributes to the teenager.

Island officials have imposed a ban on swimming and other water-based activities such as surfing and windsurfing on the island, after a non-fatal shark attack in February. That measure has been extended until February 2016.

The move had resulted in a historic decline in tourists coming to the island.

Tagsshark, teen surfer, Reunion Island, shark attack