A 57-year-old man lost his life after a shark attack while surfing near Long Reef Beach in Sydney, Australia, on the morning of September 6, 2025. Mercury Psillakis was attacked by what is believed to be a great white shark, estimated to be between 11 and 12 feet long.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:00 a.m. local time when Psillakis was surfing with friends about 328 feet offshore. Emergency services responded to reports of a man with critical injuries, but Psillakis was pronounced dead at the scene after being pulled from the water.
Witnesses reported that Psillakis was the first to notice the shark and attempted to alert other surfers. Professional surfer Toby Martin, who was also a family friend, stated that Psillakis was trying to gather everyone for safety when the shark attacked him from behind. Martin explained that the shark emerged from the water and fell directly onto Psillakis.
Police Inspector Stuart Thomson confirmed that Psillakis suffered multiple limb amputations in the attack. His surfboard was found broken into two parts and was taken for expert analysis. Thomson mentioned that Psillakis’ friends made it back to shore safely, but his body was later found in the surf.
Witness Mark Morgenthal estimated the shark to be around 20 feet long based on the distance between its dorsal and tail fins. He recalled hearing someone in the water yelling about not wanting to be bitten as the large shark circled.
Biologists from the New South Wales government reviewed images of the damaged surfboard and concluded that a white shark approximately 11 to 12 feet in length was probably responsible. This incident marks the first fatal shark attack in Sydney since February 2022, when British diving instructor Simon Nellist was killed off Little Bay.
Psillakis is survived by his wife and young daughter, with the tragedy occurring just a day before Father’s Day in Australia. Thomson noted that “with tomorrow being Father’s Day, it’s particularly tragic.”
His twin brother, Mike, who runs Psillakis Surfboards in Brookvale, posted an emotional tribute on social media. He referred to Mercury as his mirror and right-hand man, highlighting their close bond and shared ambitions. Mike remembered his brother as someone who lived passionately and encouraged others to express their emotions freely.
The Long Reef Boardriders Club paid tribute to Psillakis, calling him the club’s favorite son and describing him as passionate, caring, loyal, and loving. The club acknowledged that he was widely loved and would have a significant impact on the community and beyond.
State authorities responded by setting up two additional smart drumlines off Dee Why and Long Reef beaches. These anchored buoys, equipped with baited hooks, send alerts when sharks bite and allow for tagging with tracking devices. Surf lifesavers also used drones and conducted jet ski patrols to monitor shark activity.
Beaches from Manly to Narrabeen were closed following the incident, with Long Reef and Dee Why beaches remaining closed through the weekend. The Department of Primary Industries reported that a tagged white shark was detected off Manly Beach on Monday morning, though this shark was smaller than the one believed to be responsible for the attack.
The attack led the New South Wales government to pause its planned trial of removing shark nets from selected beaches. Premier Chris Minns stated that a decision on the trial would be postponed until investigators complete their report on the fatal incident.
Psillakis was recognized as an experienced surfer and a well-known figure on Sydney’s northern beaches. His twin brother Mike was present at Long Reef Beach watching a junior surf competition when the attack occurred and rushed to the scene as the news broke.
The International Shark Attack File indicates that Australia recorded a disproportionate number of fatal shark attacks in 2023 compared to other countries. The database shows more than 1,280 shark incidents in Australia since 1791, with over 250 resulting in death.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack while the surfing community mourns the loss of a valued member. The incident highlights the risks present in Australian waters, where sharks are present year-round due to various factors, including weather, ocean conditions, and food availability.
