Australian authorities have said they have “no hope” that surfer Andrew Sharpe will be found alive after a two-day search following his attack by a shark on Friday while surfing at the Kelp Beds in Wylie Bay on Australia's west coast, local website ABC reported.

They said they recovered two pieces of a wetsuit believed to be his, along with a piece of the board that “had obvious signs of having suffered a shark attack.”

There were eight people in the water who witnessed the attack, as well as several people who also witnessed it from shore.

"We will continue the search for as long as we can to bring closure to the Sharpe family," Sgt Tarasinski said. The search has been going on for three days, local media reported.

Wylie Bay beaches remain closed.

Sgt Tarasinski said Sharpe was a “well-known and well-liked” local and his presumed death has devastated the coastal town.

Local David Swan invited Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan to visit his town. He said he wants local fisheries to be allowed to kill sharks when there are attacks.

"If sharks are near populated beaches like West Beach or Kelp Beds, that removal would be smart," Swan said.

Another community member backed Swan's idea, saying there are many people suited to the job.