Diving Instructor Killed in Sydney Shark Attack

The family of Simon Nellist, a diving instructor tragically killed in a shark attack off Sydney’s coast last year, has remembered him as a "gentle, kind and wonderful human being."

Mr. Nellist, originally from the UK and living in Wolli Creek, was swimming at Little Bay just after 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday February 16 when he was fatally attacked. His death marks Sydney’s first fatal shark attack since 1963, when a similar tragedy occurred at Sugarloaf Bay in Middle Harbour.

In a statement to the BBC, Mr. Nellist’s family described him as a "proud Cornishman" who had found a second home in Australia. They praised his talents as a photographer and his deep love for the ocean and nature.

"Simon was a cherished fiancé, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He had a rare gift for connecting with people, always making time for others and earning their trust and respect," they said. "We will miss him terribly."

Known for his daily swims at Little Bay, Mr. Nellist was a familiar face in the local community and an active member of the Scuba Diving Social Club in Sydney’s south. His social media accounts are filled with breathtaking underwater photography, reflecting his passion for marine life.

Life savers described the injuries sustained by Mr. Nellist as "catastrophic." Following the attack, beaches across Sydney’s eastern and southern suburbs were closed on Thursday as authorities searched for the shark and any additional remains. The beaches were reopened on the Friday.

That same day, local residents gathered for a vigil in Mr. Nellist’s honor at The Coast Chapel in Little Bay.

New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet extended his sympathies to Mr. Nellist’s family, saying, "Our hearts are with you at this difficult time. It reminds us all of the fragility of life."

Authorities, including police and the Department of Primary Industries, have the authority to destroy a shark if it poses an extreme threat to public safety. However, the preferred approach is to tag and track the animal rather than kill it.

Marine scientist Dr. Vanessa Pirotta of Macquarie University noted it was unlikely the shark responsible would ever be found. Speaking to the ABC, she explained the estimated 3-meter-long shark had probably already left the area.

"Shark incidents like this are extremely rare," Dr. Pirotta said. "While large sharks do occasionally appear near our beaches, they are capable of traveling vast distances and can easily move on."

She suggested the shark may have been drawn to the area by ocean currents, a hunt for prey, warmer waters—or simply passing through when the tragic encounter occurred.