The aunt of Simon Nellist, the British diving instructor killed by a great white shark in Sydney on Wednesday, has said he wouldn’t want the animal to be killed.
Nellist, who has been described as a ‘kind, considerate man who loved life’ was killed 100m off-shore at Little Bay when the 4.5 metre shark attacked.
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The 35-year-old, who grew up in Cornwall before moving to Australia, was set to marry his fiancee Jessie Ho this summer.
His aunt, Jackie Seager, believes that Nellist wouldn’t want the animal to suffer as a result of this.
She told MailOnline: “I don't think Simon would want the shark to be killed. He loved nature.
“He swam with sharks before.
“This isn't the first time he's gone out and seen them but he would still go out swimming. “That's brave.
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“I don't think he ever thought they would hurt him. Sadly, this time it managed to get to him.
“It's absolutely horrendous. We are all in shock.”
After the attack, most of the beaches in Sydney were closed and ‘drum lines’ that trap large sharks using baited hooks were set up in the water.
The controversial traps have led to the death of sharks in the past, and on occasion trap other marine life too.
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Nellist had spoken out against their use before, stating that they ‘protect no-one’ and ‘need to go’.
Mrs Seager continued: “He told his mum he was going to travel to Australia and that was that. He loved it so much that he stayed.
“He met his girlfriend Jessie out there. They're around the same age and instantly hit it off. They've been together for years.
“She is totally in bits, as are his parents. I spoke to them last night and they are beyond belief.
“They will never get through this – ever – as this is something you keep with you for life. I just feel so sorry for them.
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“They are planning to get out there as soon as they can but need to sort visas out.
“Everyone was going to fly out there to see him get married in June or July but sadly it is now in much sadder circumstances.”
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“Simon always loved the sea. He was always very close to it. He loved wildlife and the world.
“He had a real love affair with nature.
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“He was a very kind and considerate man who just loved life. He was a strong guy and did two tours of Afghanistan.
“His mum said how could he return from the frontline unscathed to then go to Australia, go out for a swim and get killed?”
Nellist had been in the water training for a swimming event this Sunday, but that event has now been cancelled.
Topics: Animals, Australia, World News, UK News
Tom Wood