An experienced 57-year-old father and surfer lost his life in a rare shark attack off Long Reef Beach in Sydney just hours before Father’s Day.

At a Glance

• A 57-year-old father, identified as Mercury Psillakis, died after being attacked by a large shark while surfing approximately 100 m offshore near Long Reef Beach, north of Sydney.
• The attack occurred around 9:30–10:00 a.m. local time on Saturday, 6 September 2025, roughly 30 minutes after he entered the water.
• Psillakis sustained catastrophic injuries, losing multiple limbs; despite the rescue efforts of friends and emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
• Beaches from Manly to Narrabeen were closed as authorities investigate the species involved and recover surfboard fragments for examination.

Rare Attack Claims Experienced Surfer

At approximately 10 a.m. AEST on Saturday, 6 September 2025, 57-year-old Mercury Psillakis was surfing with friends about 100 metres off Long Reef Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches when a large shark suddenly pulled him under. The incident occurred about half an hour after he had entered the water.

Despite swift response from friends who retrieved him from the sea and from emergency services, Psillakis—who lost multiple limbs in the attack—could not be resuscitated and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Watch now: Dad killed by ‘large shark’ while surfing at Sydney beach | 9 News

Detective Superintendent John Duncan described the event as a horrific and unusually rare “freak” incident, underscoring how uncommon fatal shark attacks are in the region.

Beaches Closed and Investigation Launched

In the wake of the tragedy, authorities closed beaches stretching from Manly to Narrabeen and deployed experts from the Department of Primary Industries to investigate. Two sections of the surfboard have been recovered for forensic analysis to help determine the shark species involved.

Local surf lifesaving officials offered condolences and highlighted that Psillakis—an experienced surfer and active member of the local surfing community—was killed just before Australia’s Father’s Day.

Residents and fellow surfers have been deeply affected, with tributes pouring in for a well-known and beloved figure described as warm and active in organizing community tributes for other surfers.

Historical Context and Safety Debate

This marks only the second fatal shark attack in Sydney in more than six decades, the previous one occurring in 1963.

The incident reignites debate over shark safety measures, including the use of shark nets and emerging technologies like drone surveillance. Critics of traditional shark nets point out the environmental toll on marine life, while proponents of technology-based prevention seek more sustainable solutions.

As the investigation continues, authorities urge caution and vigilance among beachgoers, while the local community grieves a tragic loss amid one of the rarest and most disturbing shark attacks in recent Australian history.

Sources

People
The Guardian
News.com.au