Experienced surfer Mercury Psillakis, 57, lost “a number of limbs” and had to be reportedly dragged by fellow surfers to the shore
A surfer who was killed by a shark tragically leaves behind a wife and young daughter – just a day before Father’s Day.
Mercury Psillakis, 57, lost “a number of limbs” and had to be reportedly dragged by fellow surfers to the shore at Dee Why Beach in Sydney shortly after 10am local time (0:00GMT).
The experienced surfer had only been in the water for around 30 minutes when a shark violently attacked him. “He was retrieved from the surf and brought to the shore; however, died at the scene,” NSW Police said in a statement.
According to local media Mr Psillakis, a twin, was local to the area and a husband to Maria and dad to a young daughter.
“Everyone knows the Psillakis family,” one local said. “They’ve always lived around here and they really are a big part of the community. “This is going to be really tough for a lot of people.”
Eyewitnesses recalled seeing a group of people “crying in a circle” from the water. It is reported one of Mr Psillakis’ relatives fell into the sand in tears, while another was comforted by loved ones.
Police Inspector Stuart Thomson said Mr Psillakis suffered “catastrophic injuries” including the loss of several limbs.
“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.”
Police said Mr Psillakis was an experienced surfer.
“Tomorrow being Father’s Day is particularly … tragic,” he said. “Our heart goes out to them.”
Surf Lifesavers confirmed Dee Why Beach would be closed until further notice. Beaches between Manly and Narrabeen will also remain closed for at least 24 hours.
Officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command have closed the beach and will liaise with experts to determine the species of shark involved,” police said.
“Two sections of a surfboard have been recovered and taken for expert examination.”
According to eyewitnesses, a marine safety vessel could be seen searching the waters for the shark, which experts predicted was a great white. One said they saw “at least four helicopters flying overhead in just ten minutes.”