Sydney shark attack: Simon Nellist family pay tribute to beloved diving instructor

The family of the diving instructor killed in a shark attack in Sydney have paid tribute to him, describing how he had a rare gift.

Family of the British man killed in a shark attack off Sydney said the beloved dive instructor and Afghanistan veteran had a “rare gift”.

Simon Nellist was fatally mauled near Buchan Point in Little Bay, in Sydney’s southeast, as he trained for a charity swim on Wednesday afternoon.

The 35-year-old’s death was the first shark attack fatality in Sydney for 60 years.

British man Simon Nellist was killed in a shark attack at Little Bay in Sydney. Photo: Supplied

“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,” his family told the BBC.

He was a “proud Cornishman” who grew up village of Ludgvan before emigrating to Australia, and made a home here with his fiancee Jessie.

“Simon had a great passion for nature and the sea, as well as being a very talented photographer,” they said.

Mr Nellist served two tours as an engineer in Afghanistan and was remembered as a “wonderful human being”. Photo: Supplied

The family said they were very proud of him, saying he completed two tours of Afghanistan as a RAF engineer.

They would “miss him terribly”.

“Simon was a gentle, kind and wonderful human being. He was a cherished fiance, son, brother, uncle and friend,” the family said.

A great-white shark is suspected of killing the diving instructor but the animal has yet to be found.