SAEDNEWS: A 57-year-old man was killed in a rare shark attack while surfing off Sydney’s northern beaches on Saturday, prompting immediate beach closures, intensified aerial and drone patrols and a pause to a planned shark-net trial as the city grapples with the tragedy.
An experienced surfer was fatally mauled while surfing about 100 metres from shore off Long Reef (near Dee Why) on Sydney’s northern beaches on Saturday; lifesavers and bystanders pulled him from the water but he died at the scene.
Local reporting has identified the victim as 57-year-old Mercury Psillakis, a well-known member of the area’s surfing community — a loss that has prompted an outpouring of tributes and flowers at nearby surf clubs.
Authorities closed nearby beaches as a precaution and deployed drones, a helicopter and surf lifesavers on watercraft to search for further shark activity. Additional SMART drumlines and monitoring systems were reportedly put in place to detect and deter large sharks in the area.
Police and lifesaving crews are treating the incident as a suspected great white attack; sources cited by local media estimated the animal at roughly 3.4–3.6 metres long. Officials stressed that fatal shark attacks remain exceedingly rare in Sydney.
The loss has hit the northern beaches surf community hard. Friends and fellow surfers described the victim as experienced and beloved by the local club; condolence posts, roadside tributes and offers of peer support for witnesses and rescuers quickly appeared. Local leaders noted the timing — close to Father’s Day — has intensified grief.
In the wake of the attack, the New South Wales government announced it would pause a planned trial to remove shark nets at several beaches while officials review the incident and safety measures. The decision reopened debate about netting, alternative mitigation tools such as smart drumlines, and the environmental impacts of different programs.
Officials urge patience and caution: beaches will stay closed until inspectors deem the water safe and monitoring shows no further risk. Surfers and swimmers are asked to follow lifeguard instructions, avoid dawn and dusk sessions when sharks are more active, and keep to patrolled areas. Authorities continue to investigate and will release further details once available.
