To celebrate, Mr. Craw, Ms. Taylia and son Levi left Warrnambool in the country of Victoria for a camping trip to South Australia.
The avid snorkeler decided to stop at Port MacDonnell, about 17 miles south of Mount Gambier, to pursue his passion.
But a nice day with his family turned into a tragedy on Thursday evening when Mr. Craw suddenly disappeared into the water.
His wife sounded the alarm shortly before 5 p.m. About three hours later, the crews found a severely damaged wetsuit and snorkeling gear.
Police announced Friday that they believed Mr. Craw had been the victim of a shark attack, leaving his family and friends devastated.
His family released a statement describing the beloved father as a happy, loving, helpful son, kind and sassy brother, and fun-loving, vicious and supportive partner with a heart of gold.
« It is impossible to adequately describe our grief and shock, » they said. « We wish this was all a bad dream.
« It is also impossible to fully explain the hole this will leave in the lives of all relatives and friends who love Duncan.
« Duncan loved snorkeling and accepted the dangers he could be exposed to in the ocean. This time he was very unlucky. »
Mr Craw’s family described him as a hardworking and dedicated farm manager at Warrnambool, where he grew up after moving from New Zealand at a young age.
« When he wasn’t farming, spending time with family or working on the property he bought with his wife Taylia, he enjoyed meeting up with friends and watching or playing sports, including cricket for the Woolsthorpe Cricket Club, » his said Family.
“He was also Levi’s best father and a beautiful husband and best friend to Tay, his high school sweetheart. He was a happy, loving, helpful son.
“He was a kind and naughty brother to his sisters. He was a fun-loving, malicious, supportive buddy with a heart of gold.
Mr. Craw’s family thanked the community for their support, search and rescue teams and « selfless volunteers for their tireless efforts and for the care of all who offered their help during this terrible time. »
Campbell Hill, operations manager for Limestone Coast Police, said the wetsuit and fins were found after a large shark was seen in the same area and a second smaller one later Thursday evening.
Mr Craw’s family described the shark as a great white one. « We are definitely aware that sharks have been identified in the area, » said Inspector Hill.
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