Mission Beach Dunk Island Water Taxi skipper Steven “Fozzy” Foster is believed to have been taken by a shark while diving.
THE family of a missing Mission Beach tourism operator believed he was the victim of a shark attack.
Steven “Fozzy” Foster, 54, went missing last Tuesday afternoon while diving at the Lady Bowen shipwreck site, 40km southeast of Mission Beach, with four others.
On Friday, it was revealed diving equipment and clothing belonging to Mr Foster had been found, and in a statement released at the weekend, his family said “without doubt” Mr Foster had been taken by a shark.
Police are yet to confirm the cause of death, and a spokeswoman for the Queensland Police Service said investigations were continuing.
The clothing and dive equipment would be forensically examined and form part of a report for the coroner, she said. Mr Foster’s family paid tribute to the man they said was an integral part of the Mission Beach community.
He owned a number of businesses around Mission Beach with his partner Nancy Lowe, including Mission Beach Dunk Island Water Taxis, and his death has rocked the tight-knit coastal community.
In their statement, the family thanked the community, especially those who took private boats out to help during the three day search.
At the height of the search, more than 20 private boats were used to help police and life guards comb the ocean for any trace of Mr Foster.
“The support has been overwhelming, from the boats in the water, planes in the air, sandwiches made for the boys daily to take out, phones being answered, and the numerous messages of love and support,” the family wrote.
“A special huge thanks to the boys who never gave up looking and brought us home closure and answers, they are more than gems and their efforts have given us some comfort in this difficult time.
“The community spirit and support is comforting for us all.”
In the statement, family members said Mr Foster had died doing something he loved, and while they were still coming to terms with their loss, they would update the community with new information as it came to hand.
“We understand that Fozzy was an integral part of this community and we are deeply grateful for your concern and we thank you so much for all that has been done,” they wrote.
More than 400 people have left tributes on the Mission Beach Dunk Island Water Taxi Facebook page.
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