Family of young dad 'taken by a great white shark while snorkelling with his wife and kids' reveal a 'comforting' twist to the tragedy which tore them apart

A father feared to have been taken by a shark while snorkelling had most likely died before the predator attacked, his family have revealed. 

Duncan Craw, from Warrnambool in western Victoria, went missing off Port MacDonnell in South Australia's south-east at about 5pm on Thursday while on a camping trip with his wife Taylia and their three-year-old son Levi.   

His remains were found in the water near the popular scenic sport on Tuesday after search teams earlier recovered a damaged wetsuit and flippers from the scene.  

Mr Craw's family said they now believe he suffered a deadly medical episode before the shark reached him.

Victorian father Duncan Craw was previously thought to have been the victim of a shark attack on Thursday but his family said it was now believed he had suffered a medical episode

'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,' the family said in a statement.

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

The young family vowed to keep pursuing an outdoors lifestyle in his memory. 

'We want everyone to know the ocean is still a place of peace and beauty for us,' they said.

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

Police had found snorkelling equipment on Thursday evening about the same time a Great White shark was spotted in the area.

'It's impossible to fully explain the hole this will leave behind in the lives of all the relatives and friends who love Duncan,' Mr Craw's family said in an earlier statement.

'We wish this was all a bad dream.

'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.

Mr Craw had been on a camping trip with his wife Taylia and their young three-year-old son Levi (pictured together). The father's remains were found in the water near the popular scenic spot on Tuesday

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

Limestone Coast police operations manager Inspector Campbell Hill had said at the time of the disappearance a shark attack was the most likely explanation.

'The physical evidence along with the proximity of the sharks and the manner in which we've been advised that this male disappeared, we put those pieces together and it sadly does lend itself to a strong belief this is a shark attacked-related incident,' Inspector Hill said.   

Mr Craw, an avid snorkeller, went missing from waters off Port MacDonnell about 5pm on Thursday afternoon

Taylia was on the sand when she lost sight of him.

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

Mr Craw was employed at an agriculture company as an operations manager. 

His family said he was also a keen cricketer and played for the Woolsthorpe Cricket Club.

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

Pictured: The spot where Mr Craw disappeared from while snorkelling on Thursday. His wife was on the sand when she lost sight of him

'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.' 

Jason Willie, the president of the cricket club, also made a heartfelt tribute to the 'much loved' sportsman.   

'Duncan's spirit and personality made him a popular and unforgettable member of the club and community,' he said on the club's Facebook page. 

'We are all devastated by the news.' 

A report is set to be prepared by the coroner.