A beloved surfer’s life was tragically cut short in a rare incident off Sydney’s northern coastline, prompting authorities to take urgent action. On Saturday morning, Mercury Psillakis, a 57-year-old experienced surfer and father, was attacked by what officials now believe was a 3.4 to 3.6-meter great white shark at Long Reef Beach, located near Dee Why .
The attack occurred approximately 100 meters from shore around 10 a.m. local time, and rescuers quickly pulled Psillakis from the water. Despite immediate medical attention, he succumbed to “catastrophic injuries” and significant blood loss at the scene . The loss has deeply shaken the community, especially since it came just before Father’s Day; Psillakis leaves behind a wife and young daughter .
In response to the tragedy, authorities immediately closed beaches from Manly to Narrabeen, including Dee Why, while the investigation continues . Ensuring public safety, Surf Life Saving NSW, along with local agencies, deployed drones, a helicopter, and SMART drumlines to monitor the waters and deter further shark activity .
In a statement announcing a pause in the shark net reduction trial, the NSW government highlighted enhanced vigilance and safety protocols as priorities, while awaiting a full report of the incident .
This tragic event is the first fatal shark attack in Sydney since February 2022 and underscores the enduring tension between marine safety and human activity along Australia’s iconic coastlines . As the community mourns, officials emphasize the need for vigilance and hope the new surveillance measures, including drone patrols and SMART drumlines, can help prevent future tragedies.
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