THE SHARK-SAVAGED body of a promising young footballer has been discovered by emergency crews in Australia.

Eric Birighitti’s remains were found in Western Australia by emergency crews while they were hunting for a missing scuba diver who had been attacked by a great white shark.

7 Eric Birighitti, 21, from Perth, was discovered at Twilight Beach in Western Australia Credit: Instagram

7 The crew found three sharks feeding on his corpse Credit: Instagram

The 21-year-old, who was from Perth, had been devoured by three sharks.

On Tuesday the crew were searching for the body of Gary Johnson, 57, who was attacked while out scuba diving with his wife Karen Milligan.

The crew initially thought the body was the 57-year-old but they later confirmed it was Eric.

The young sportsman was on holiday with friends and enjoying the view when he slipped and fell into the ocean as he walked along the rocks.

His horrified friends desperately tried to rescue him but he was swept out to sea by the currents.

Eric's last Instagram post had a touching message saying: "Merry Christmas everyone! As we finish off 2019, I hope everybody finds peace and is filled with love as the new year begins.

"Shout out to all those who cannot be with us for whatever reason. Remember to love always, be appreciative and smile."

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Eric had won a scholarship to play football for Hasting Broncos at Hastings College in Nebraska and St Thomas Aquina College in New York.

Hasting Broncos paid tribute to Eric on Facebook with a statement that says: "The Bronco family are saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Eric Birighitti.

"Eric played for Hastings during the 2016 and 2017 season and won a national title with the team.

"He will be truly missed and our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time."

Emergency crews have called off the search for Mr Johnson.

Despite days of extensive searches, including using two remotely operated vehicles to scour the ocean's floor, only his tank, vest and flippers have been found.

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Ms Mulligan paid tribute to her husband saying he was "her rock" and "at home" in the ocean.

She added: "We were always aware of the risks and often told each other that if we were attacked by a shark that would just be unlucky.

"We were completely against shark culling and I still am."

7 Eric had won a scholarship to play football for Hasting Broncos at Hastings College in Nebraska and St Thomas Aquina College in New York Credit: Instagram

7 Gary Johnson was mauled to death by a shark in Western Australia Credit: Facebook

7 His girlfriend Karen Milligan watched in horror as the shark attacked Credit: Facebook

7 This stock photo shows a ferocious Great White shark baring its fearsome jaws Credit: Getty - Contributor