Emergency services remain at Kelp Beds Beach in Esperance following a serious shark attack.

St John has confirmed paramedics are no longer required at the scene however a search effort is still underway for the missing surfer after his surfboard was recovered.

Earlier the Premier revealed another surfer tried to pull the victim from the water but was unsuccessful.

Shire of Esperance President Ian Mickel told Oliver Peterson it’s a “devastating day.”

“It doesn’t look good at the present time,”  said Mr Mickel

“We haven’t got anything to tell us the person might be ok.”

Mr Mickel said he doesn’t appear to be a tagged shark “because the tagged shark trips the beacon.”

Listen to the full interview: