HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE gathered on Reunion beach today to pay tribute to 13-year-old Elio Canestri.

The surfing champion was dragged out to sea by a shark while surfing off the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion yesterday morning.

SHARK VICTIM

Witnesses say the boy was flung around the water as the shark tore off his limbs and part of his stomach.

The attack took place in an off-limits section of the waters at Lobster Cape, west of Reunion island.

Hundreds gather to pay tribute to 13-year-old surfer starlet #ElioCanestri killed by a shark http://t.co/RJKOMfI7fQ pic.twitter.com/T5n3AEvYlA
— IBTimes UK (@IBTimesUK) April 13, 2015

IBTimes UK / Twitter

Professional surfer Jeremy Flores who grew up on the island led tributes to the teenager.

Trop dure.... Too many bad news :( rip my love ones
— Jeremy Flores (@floresjeremy) April 13, 2015

Jeremy Flores / Twitter

He also posted on his Instagram:

ANOTHER shark attack in Reunion island this morning. 13 years old Elio was one of our best up and coming surfer. Words can’t describe how sad and angry I am. So young !!! Heart breaking News . RIP :(

Read: Boy (13) dies after losing limbs in horrific shark attack>

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