The family of a British man killed in a shark attack in Australia has spoken out about what a ‘kind and wonderful’ person he was.
Simon Nellist, 35, died on Wednesday while he was swimming a few metres away from Buchan Point, near Little Bay, Sydney.
The dive instructor, who was training for a charity swim, grew up in Cornwall before moving to Australia with his fiance Jesse.
His family said: ‘Simon was a gentle, kind and wonderful human being. He was a cherished fiancée, son, brother, uncle and friend,’ they said.
‘Simon was funny, compassionate and always had time for people. He had a rare gift of instantly being able to connect with others, gaining their trust and respect.’
Speaking about the ‘proud Cornishman’ who previously served in Afghanistan, his aunt Jacqui Seager, 62, said: ‘Simon always loved the sea. He was always very close to it.
‘He loved wildlife and the world. He had a real love affair with nature. He was a very kind and considerate man who just loved life.’
She revealed how Simon’s mum had asked how her son could have survived serving in the Army, only to die while out swimming.
Most of the cities beaches were after the attack early this week, but theyhad opened again by Friday – in time for other swimmers to pay their respects to Simon in the water.
This is the first fatal shark attack Sydney has seen in 60 years – since 1963.
The New South Wales state government has spent millions on technology to reduce shark attacks along its coast.
Nets have been deployed at 51 beaches, as well as drones and shark listening stations that can track great white sharks by satellite, and send an alert when one is sighted.
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