THE family of the Brit killed in a shark attack in Sydney have paid tribute to a "wonderful human being" with a "passion for nature".

Simon Nellist, 35, was attacked by a 15ft great white shark as he trained for a charity ocean swim in the sea off Sydney.

He was just 150m away from the beach at Buchan Point, near Little Bay in Sydney, when the predator struck in the first fatal attack in the area nearly 60 years.

The British expat's remains were found in the water on Wednesday afternoon following the horror ordeal.

The RAF hero's family have now paid tribute, describing him as "funny and compassionate" and a "very talented photographer".

The family told the BBC: "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."

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Simon's family said he was a "proud Cornishman" who had made Australia his home with his fiancée Jessie.

They said: "Simon had a great passion for nature and the sea, as well as being a very talented photographer."

The devastated family said they were very proud of him and would "miss him terribly".

The tragedy happened as Simon was due to marry "girl of his dreams" Jessie, Seven News reports.

A close friend of Simon told The Sun: "Him and Jessie were due to get married last year but that got put off because of Covid.

"It’s just horrendous. We spent most of yesterday just hoping and praying it wasn’t him. It’s still incredibly raw.

“Simon was amazing. That’s all there is to say really. He was just the best.

“He was the nicest, kindest human. It is a huge loss."

The friend revealed Simon "fell in love" with Australia after going travelling around six years ago, following service in the RAF.

Experienced swimmer Simon "really knew the water", they explained.

The pal said: "He was massively into wildlife and knew exactly what he was doing. He wasn’t daft. It’s just a freak accident.

“Simon was doing his diving and he would send us the most amazing videos of the wildlife out there. He was so respectful of the wildlife.

“He finished in the RAF about six years ago and he went travelling and then just fell in love with it out there. Then he fell in love with Jessie.

“I know he did some pretty big tours with the RAF."

Witnesses said they heard Simon yell out for help in desperation as the shark pounced just after 4.30pm on Wednesday

The great white allegedly "attacked vertically" before dragging the man's body out of the ocean.

Expert Lawrence Chlebeck said that the ferocious shark probably mistook the swimmer – reportedly wearing a wetsuit – for a seal when it launched and attacked the Brit.

The 35-year-old was a regular swimmer in the bay where the frenzy occurred, according to local MP Michael Daley.

One of the swimmer's heartbroken friends, Della Ross, told Seven News: "Everything that is connected to Simon is connected to the ocean.

"The news hit us like a truck because he was one of the people who make this earth lighter.

"He loved the water, he loved diving."

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