Mercury Psillakis, 57, was fatally attacked by a shark at a Sydney beach on Saturday (September 6), the first deadly shark attack at the beach in more than 90 years
An experienced surfer who was killed by a shark performed a final heroic act in the moments before his death. Mercury Psillakis, 57, “lost a number of limbs” after being mauled by the beast and was dragged to shore by other surfers shortly after 10am local time. Mr Psillakis had only been in the water at Dee Why Beach for around half an hour before the attack.
Police Inspector Stuart Thomson described Mr Psillakis’ injuries as “catastrophic”. “His (friends) managed to make it back to the beach safely and a short time later his body was found floating in the surf and a couple of other people went out and recovered it,” Mr Thomson said. “Attempts to save his life were unsuccessful.”
It has now emerged that Mr Psillakis was trying to warn others about the shark in the moments before the attack, reports The Mirror.
Close friend and former pro surfer – who rushed to the beach following news of the attack along with Mr Psillakis’ wife, Maria – told the Daily Telegraph: “He was at the back of the pack still trying to get everyone together when the shark just lined him up.
“It came straight from behind and breached and dropped straight on him. It’s the worst-case scenario. They normally come from the side, but this one came straight from behind, breached and dropped on him. It was so quick.”
Horrified onlookers watched as surfers brought Mr Psillakis’ remains to shore, trying to block the view with their boards.
The latest NWS police statement reads: “A man has died on the Northern Beaches after being bitten by what is believed to have been a large shark.
“Emergency services were called to Long Reef Beach shortly after 10am (Saturday 6 September 2025), responding to reports a man had suffered critical injuries.
“He was retrieved from the surf and brought to the shore; however, died at the scene.
“Officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command have closed the beach and will liaise with experts from the Department of Primary Industries to determine the species of shark involved.
“Two sections of a surfboard have been recovered and taken for expert examination. Beaches between Manly to Narrabeen have been closed pending further advice.”
The shark attack was Dee Why Beach’s first since 1934.
While the species of shark involved hasn’t been identified, the nature of the attack has led to speculation it could have been a great white.
#Surfer #killed #Sydney #shark #attack #performed #heroic #act #moments #death
