REVEALED: Human leg bone that washed up on a popular beach belonged to a spearfisherman, 38, who went missing a month ago almost 800km away – amid fears he was eaten by sharks
- A human leg was found on North Beach in Mylestom, south of Coffs Harbour
- A member of the public found the leg washed up on the sand on December 17
- Police investigators have identified the remains as that of Andrew Page
- The 38-year-old went missing while spear-fishing off the coast of Bundaberg
- Investigators searched a serial number on a metal surgery plate on the leg bone
A human leg found washed up on a beach on the New South Wales mid north coast on Tuesday has been identified as belonging to a spearfisherman who went missing 800km away.
Forensic police searched the serial number on a metal surgery plate found on the leg bone.
The plate identified the man as being Andrew Page, known as Drew, who vanished while free-diving in south-east Queensland.
A human leg that wash up on a New South Wales beach has been identitified as belonging to Andrew Page, 38, who went missing while spear-fishing off the Bundaberg coast in Queensland
Police investigate the scene at North Beach in Mylestom, south of Coffs Harbour where the leg washed ashore
The 38-year-old had been spear-fishing with friends off Elliot Beach, near Bundaberg, when he failed to resurface on November 23.
The captain of the boat he was on alerted authorities.
A five day sea search covering 350 nautical miles did not find any trace of him.
It is not known what happened to him – but sharks have been seen in the area.
His family have been informed that the remains found belong to Mr Page.
The grim discovery was made by a member of the public on North Beach in Mylestom, south of Coffs Harbour, at around two o’clock on December 17.
9News reported the remains included a femur, tibia and foot bones with a wetsuit bootie on the end.
No other human remains were found with the leg, which was washed up around one kilometre south of the North Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
Officers from the Coffs-Clarence Police District conducted the forensic examination on the leg and searched through missing persons reports.
A human leg was found washed up on North Beach (pictured) in Mylestom, south of Coffs Harbour