The Northern Beaches community is mourning the loss of well-known and much-loved Long Reef surfer Mercury Psillakis, who died on 6 September after being bitten by a shark in Dee Why.
Emergency services were called to Long Reef Beach shortly after 10am, responding to reports a man had suffered critical injuries.
Mr Psillakis, an experienced surfer, had been surfing with a group to the north of the lifeguard tower toward Long Reef, away from the patrolled area.
He was retrieved from the surf and brought to the shore; however, died at the scene.
Mr Psillakis is survived by his wife Maria and daughter Freedom.
Two sections of a surfboard were recovered and taken for expert examination, and it was determined the shark responsible may have been a white shark 3.4 to 3.6 metres in length.
The Northern Beaches Council released a statement following the tragic event.
“There has been a tragic loss of life on one of our beaches, and our deepest condolences today are with the man’s family and friends. Thank you to the many involved in the incident for their swift and professional response, including members of the public on the beach, the first responders, Lifeguards, SLS volunteers, Police and paramedics.”
Mercury was described as ‘passionate, caring, loyal, a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend to everyone’ in a Longy Boardriders Facebook post.
“This is something that will have such a massive effect on our community and the wider community. Please give lots of love and support to the extended Psillakis family. We lost our treasured friend and we will never forget you,” Antio Sas Agapame wrote.
Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce said: “Our deepest condolences go to the family of the man involved in this terrible tragedy. Volunteers will continue to assist Council and authorities to protect the public from further danger in any way we can.”
Shark nets were installed on NSW beaches on 1 September. The NSW Government trial to have three beaches go net-free this season, which included one beach on the Northern Beaches, has been put on hold.
Dee Why and Long Reef beaches remain closed until further notice.
