UPDATE: A deadly shark attack in Sydney has left a father dead and initiated an urgent hunt for the predator responsible. Mercury Psillakis, aged 57, was attacked while surfing at Long Reef Beach on Saturday, September 30, 2023.
Authorities confirm that the attack occurred approximately 100 meters offshore, marking the city’s second fatal shark incident since 1963. Emergency services were alerted shortly after 10 a.m. and rushed to the scene, but Psillakis was pronounced dead shortly after being brought to shore.
Witnesses described a harrowing scene as the shark’s fin emerged from the water. “There was a guy screaming ‘I don’t want to get bitten,’ and I saw the dorsal fin of the shark come up and it was huge,” said witness Mark Morgenthal. He estimated the shark to be around six meters long, emphasizing the size and danger of the creature.
New South Wales (NSW) Police Inspector Stuart Thomson provided details at a press conference, stating that Psillakis disappeared under the water with his surfboard and suffered life-threatening injuries. “Attempts to save his life were unsuccessful,” Thomson confirmed.
Psillakis, a well-known figure in the Northern Beaches community, leaves behind a wife and young daughter. He was renowned for his passion for rare exotic plants, often sharing his discoveries on local Facebook groups.
As the search for the shark continues, drone operators are actively scanning the waters near Long Reef Beach, which remains closed to the public. Locals have been urged to stay away from beaches in the area while lifeguards ensure safety measures are enforced. Authorities are also analyzing Psillakis’s body and surfboard fragments to identify the shark species involved in the attack.
Northern Beaches Police Area Commander John Duncan referred to the incident as a “freak occurrence,” highlighting that shark attacks in Sydney are exceptionally rare. The last fatal shark attack occurred in 2022 when diving instructor Simon Nellist was killed by a great white shark at Little Bay Beach.
In response to increasing shark activity during the warmer months, shark nets have been installed across 51 beaches in New South Wales, covering approximately 140 miles from Newcastle to Wollongong. These nets are part of routine safety measures implemented each spring and summer, as ocean conditions can lead to higher shark sightings.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as new information emerges. The local community is left in shock as they mourn the loss of Psillakis and face the alarming reality of shark attacks in their waters.
