The fisherman allegedly killed on a pier in Melbourne has been remembered as a selfless man with a deep love of the ocean and his family.
Andres Pancha’s sisters paid tribute to their big brother, describing him as the anchor grounding his nine siblings.
His family said the 45-year-old was in the wrong place at the wrong time when he was allegedly stabbed to death by a stranger.
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He leaves behind his wife and three young children, as well as an army of loved ones, including his two sisters who paid tribute through tears.
“He’s really loving, caring, he’s kind,” one of his sisters, who did not want to be named, said.
“He’s like a walking sunshine to everyone.
“Andres never had a bad bone in his body.
“No one deserves this tragedy, especially not my brother.”
Pancha had migrated from the Philippines in 2009, and had worked as a seafarer since he was 19.
He was fishing along Frankston Pier on Saturday when he was ambushed, allegedly by 36-year-old homeless man Forrest Stevenson.
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The men are not thought to have known each other.
Today police divers searched the water near the pier for a potential weapon but surfaced empty-handed.
A mobile surveillance unit has been set up to reassure the Frankston community.
Pancha’s alleged killer has been remanded and will face court again in November.
In the meantime, homicide squad detectives will be building their case against Stevenson.
The motive behind the alleged attack remains unknown.
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