A father who was fatally mauled by a shark on a Sydney beach has been described by mates as a champion surfer and an even better bloke.
Mercury Psillakis, 57, was doing what he loved – having a paddle with some friends – when he was attacked by a “large” shark about 10am yesterday.
Beaches remain closed after Psillakis died and a drone and a helicopter have also been deployed to the area to assist with search efforts for the shark.
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Psillakis’ friend and former pro-surfer Toby Martin said the community is reeling.
“It’s a tough day today, we’re just giving love to the family,” he told 9News.
Martin said he wants Psillakis to be remembered not for how he died, but instead how he lived.
“As a funny, energetic guy, a water man, as a surfer, a great husband, a father, great community leader,” Martin added.
Psillakis was taken by a shark described by witnesses as five-metres in length.
He spotted the predator near the beach and began warning those around him.
“He was trying to corral everyone in, he was the last surfer, the furthest out, and unfortunately that was his undoing,” Martin said.
”A testament to the man – to the dying part of his life – to protect others.”
Friends helped Psillakis to shore as his wife and daughter and his twin brother Mike arrived at the beach.
Psillakis suffered catastrophic injuries and lost several limbs in what was a “freak” attack.
First responders did what they could but he was unable to be revived.
The species of shark still remains unclear, however a Great White shark was detected in the area hours before the attack.
A memorial for Psillakis has been erected at Dee Why.
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Psillakis was an experienced surfer who lived in the area and never missed a morning out on the waves.
Sean Pearce also paid tribute to his friend, who lived life travelling the world, surfing, spending time with his family and working.
“He was a good bloke to everyone. You couldn’t find someone to say a bad word about him,” Pearce said.
“When I grew up, he was always one to help out the grommets.”
Premier Chris Minns said this was an “awful tragedy”.
“My heart goes out to the victim’s family and friends,” he said in a statement.
“I also want to thank the first responders and community members who tried to help in such tough and confronting circumstances.
“Shark attacks are rare, but they leave a huge mark on everyone involved, particularly the close-knit surfing community.”
Northern Beaches Police Area Commander John Duncan said the attack was a “freak incident that happens very, very rarely”.
Several people were at the beach and its surrounds during the time of the attack, including competitors in a junior surf competition.
Police and shark biologists from the Department of Primary Industries are examining the body, two sections of a surfboard that were recovered and speaking with witnesses to determine the species of shark involved.
Sydneysiders are urged to avoid beaches in the area as lifeguards keep people from entering the water.
Drone operators will be scanning the water for any signs of shark activity.
“Volunteers will continue to assist council and authorities to protect the public from further danger in any way we can,” Pearce said.
“For now, please remain clear of the water at beaches in the vicinity and follow the direction of lifeguards and lifesavers.”
Authorities offered their condolences to the victim’s family and the wider community.
“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,” Northern Beaches Council said.
“Our deepest condolences go to the family of the man involved in this terrible tragedy,” Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steve Pearce said.
“The NSW government’s thoughts are with the bite victim, their family and the first responders,” a spokesperson for the Department of Primary Industries said.
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Shark attacks in Sydney are incredibly rare, with only one recorded fatality in the past 60 years.
Diving instructor Simon Nellist was killed while swimming off Little Bay Beach in the city’s south in 2022.
The shark was confirmed later to be a great white.
Before that, the last fatal shark attack in Sydney was in 1963, when well-known actress Marcia Hathaway was fatally mauled by a bull shark while standing in 30cm of water in Middle Harbour.
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Shark nets came up for the season across 51 beaches between Newcastle and Wollongong on Monday.
There is a shark net in place off Dee Why Beach.
Three shark drumlines were set at Dee Why yesterday morning, as per normal practice.
Crews have installed two more drumlines between Long Reef and Dee Why.
The Department of Primary Industries said sharks are present in the state all year round but can be more prevalent in an area due to weather, ocean conditions and availability of food.
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