Family say medical episode was responsible for Duncan Craw’s tragic death

The grieving family of Warrnambool dad Duncan Craw believe he suffered a medical episode before he was attacked by a shark.

Duncan Craw, 32, of Warrnambool was taken by a shark while snorkelling off the coast of Port MacDonnell, in South Australia

A Victorian man initially feared to have been killed by a shark while snorkelling in South Australia most likely suffered a fatal medical episode.

The family of Warrnambool dad Duncan Craw, 32, released a statement saying he “passed away peacefully in the water” after his remains were located in the water near Port MacDonnell on Tuesday.

“We will be bringing Duncan home to Warrnambool,” the statement read.

“It brings us comfort to know that he would have passed away peacefully in the water.

“While we may never know for sure, based on the evidence we do have, we now believe it is most likely Duncan suffered a medical episode long before the arrival of the shark.”

Mr Craw’s heartbroken family said the tragedy will not keep them from enjoying the ocean in future.

“We want everyone to know that the ocean is still a place of peace and beauty for us,” the statement read.

“We will keep enjoying the outdoors, remembering Duncan as we do so.”

Duncan Craw pictured with wife Tay and their son Levi.,

On Friday, the heartbroken family of Mr Craw – who was due to turn 33 last week – released a statement paying tribute to the much loved husband and father.

Two shark sightings, a badly damaged wetsuit and a pair of fins were discovered in the search for Mr Craw.

Mr Craw was visiting a beach at Port MacDonnell with his family on Thursday when he went missing about 5pm.

Limestone Coast police operations manager Inspector Campbell Hill said snorkelling equipment was discovered with a large Great White shark seen in the same area about 8.30pm Thursday and a second smaller one later in the evening.

The search resumed on Friday at 6.30am with drones, a helicopter and water operation unit from Adelaide leading to the discovery of a wetsuit.

Mr Craw had travelled from Warrnambool with his wife Taylia and young son Levi, who will soon turn three, for a camping trip.

He had been snorkelling when Taylia lost sight of him in the water.

“It’s impossible to adequately describe our grief and shock,” Mr Craw’s family said in the statement.

“We wish this was all a bad dream.

“It’s also impossible to fully explain the hole this will leave behind in the lives of all the relatives and friends who love Duncan.

“He was also the best father to Levi and a beautiful husband and best friend to Tay, his high-school sweetheart.

“He was a cheerful, loving, helpful son. He was a kind and cheeky brother to his sisters.

“He was a fun-loving, mischievous and supportive mate who had a heart of gold.

“We will never forget Duncan and we will make sure his memory lives on.”

Mr Craw had been snorkelling when he went missing. Picture: Jessica Ball

“Duncan loved snorkelling and accepted the dangers he may face in the ocean. He was extremely unlucky this time,” the family said.

“On behalf of all Duncan’s family we thank all the search and rescue crews, and all the selfless volunteers, for their tireless efforts – and for the care shown by everyone who has offered their help during this awful time.”

Inspector Hill extended his condolences to the Craw family.

The SES was on the scene at Port MacDonnell searching for a missing snorkeller on Thursday evening. Picture: Jessica Ball

“They were visiting the region and sadly went out for what would have been a nice afternoon at the beach on a warm day and it’s unfortunately ended in tragedy,” Inspector Hill said.

“We haven’t recovered any remains at the moment, we have not come across this person and we might not come across this person.

A GoFundMe page has been opened to help support Taylia and Levi.

Originally published as Family say medical episode was responsible for Duncan Craw’s tragic death