Police have found a body believed to be missing swimmer Dan Cojocea who disappeared near Port Lincoln last week.
The devoted family man had been swimming with his two sons and his friend's daughter at Mary Ellis Beach when he went missing during a rip tide on Friday afternoon.
Cojocea, 43, reportedly saved two of his own children and his mate's little girl before disappearing.
South Australian police today confirmed they had found a body in the search for the father of two, after a three-day search.
A statement from police said Cojocea's body had been found at nearby beach Sleaford, around 8.30am today.
"There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death," the statement read.
"Police would like to thank all persons who assisted in the search."
His family had earlier hoped the 43-year-old would be found alive, describing him as a confident swimmer who knew the area well.
"He's a fantastic dad," his sister Camelia Cantell said.
"We still hold out the highest hope and we believe in amazing miracles and until there's a resolution, until we find him we hope for a one-in-a-million miracle."
The father of the girl Cojocea had rescued, Riaan Grobler, called his friend an "absolute hero".
"He somehow got the kids out, keep telling them keep swimming, keep swimming," he said.
"He disappeared, that was it."
The family from the small South Australian town of Roxby Downs were holidaying had visited the area before.
The children were discharged from hospital last night after being treated for hypothermia and minor injuries.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.