The family of a British expat mauled to death by a white shark in Australia paid moving tributes to him, saying he was “wonderful human being” with a “passion for nature”.
Simon Nellist, 35, was killed the 15 ft predator on Wednesday as he trained for a charity ocean swim off Little Bay, near Sydney.
He was just 150m away from the beach at Buchan Point when the shark attacked, in the first fatal attack in Sydney for 60 years.
The experienced diving instructor grew up in the west Cornwall village of Ludgvan before emigrating around six years ago following service in the RAF .
On Saturday, relatives of Mr Nellist released a tribute to the BBC saying: “Simon was a gentle, kind and wonderful human being. He was a cherished fiancée, son, brother, uncle and friend.
“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.”
Mr Nellist’s family said the “very talented photographer” was a “proud Cornishman” who had made Australia his home with his fiancée.
The tragedy happened as Mr Nellist was due to marry the “girl of his dreams” Jessie Ho, Seven News reports.
His family added: “Simon had a great passion for nature and the sea”, adding that they were very proud of him and would “miss him terribly”.
A neighbour living in the Wolli Creek area of Sydney described Mr Nellist as “such a nice guy”.
Emergency services were called to Little Bay at around 4.35pm local time on Wednesday after reports that a swimmer had been attacked by a shark.
Witness Kris Linto said the shark “came and attacked him (the victim) vertically”.
He told Nine News TV: “We heard a yell and then turned around. It looked like a car just landed in the water – big splash.”
Lucky Phrachnanh, from New South Wales state ambulance, said the victim “suffered catastrophic injuries as a result of the attack”, adding there was nothing paramedics could do when they arrived at the scene.
The incident, believed to be the first fatal shark attack in Sydney since 1963, prompted the immediate closure of more than a dozen beaches in the area until Friday.
A spokesman for the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) said: “Based on footage provided by the public, including eyewitness accounts, DPI shark biologists believe that a white shark, at least three metres in length, was likely responsible.”
It is believed Mr Nellist was training for the 5k Malabar Ocean Swim, due to take place this weekend, when he was killed.
The event has been cancelled as a mark of respect, organisers said.
