Surfer dead after mauling by large shark off Australia beach
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Surfer killed in attack by ‘large shark’ off northern Sydney beach
A 57-year-old man has been mauled to death by a shark at a Sydney beach. He was pulled from the water by other surfers, but had lost too much blood and died at the scene. The beach was immediately closed for visitors enjoying a spring beach day. The Dee Why Beach will remain closed to visitors for the next 72 hours. Beaches between Manly and Narrabeen will stay closed for 24 hours. All nearby clubs have cancelled training and water activities for the weekend. The incident took place at a time when a junior surf tournament was being held at Long Reef Beach on Saturday morning. Police described the attack as a freak incident which he said happens “very, very rarely’ The death is the first in a shark attack in Australia’s most populous city since a swimmer was killed off a beach in February 2022, becoming Sydney’s first such fatality since 1963. There have been three other fatal shark attacks in Australia in 2025, data from the state-run operator of Sydney’s Taronga Zoo shows.
An experienced surfer has been mauled to death by what police described as a “large” shark at a Sydney beach, a rare fatal attack for the region that has prompted several beach closures.
Emergency services were called to Long Reef Beach in the north of the New South Wales (NSW) capital shortly before 10am local time on Saturday after a man suffered critical injuries.
The 57-year-old victim was surfing with a group of friends to the north of the lifeguard tower, away from the patrolled area, when he was attacked by the shark, according to the NSW police. While his fellow surfers managed to return to the shore safely, the victim’s body was found floating in the water with a “number of limbs” missing.
He was pulled from the water by other surfers, but had lost too much blood and died at the scene, said police superintendent John Duncan of Sydney’s northern beaches unit. “He’d suffered catastrophic injuries,” Mr Duncan told a televised press conference.
Two sections of a surfboard were retrieved and taken for examination, police added. The beach was immediately closed for visitors enjoying a spring beach day, and officers were expected to liaise with experts to determine the species of shark involved in the attack.
The surfer had been in the water for 30 minutes and was only 100m away from the beach before “both him and his board disappeared underwater”, said Northern Beaches Police Area Command inspector Stuart Thomson. He described the attack as a freak incident which he said happens “very, very rarely”.
“There were a couple of other surfers [who] managed to see him in the surf and managed to get him back out,” he said, according to Australian Broadcasting Corporation. “But unfortunately by that time, we understand he’d lost probably a lot of blood and, yeah, resuscitation was not possible.”
The Dee Why Beach will remain closed to visitors for the next 72 hours. Beaches between Manly and Narrabeen will stay closed for 24 hours. All nearby clubs have cancelled training and water activities for the weekend, said Surf Life Saving chief executive Steve Pearce.
“Our deepest condolences go to the family of the man involved in this terrible tragedy,” he said, according to SBS World News. “For now, please remain clear of the water at beaches in the vicinity and follow the direction of lifeguards and lifesavers.”
The incident took place at a time when a junior surf tournament was being held at Long Reef Beach on Saturday morning. Authorities have deployed drones on the scene to scan for further shark activity.
The Northern Beaches Council has paid tribute to the family and thanked all the first responders at the scene for their “swift and professional response”. The victim is survived by his wife and young daughter.
“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,” it said in a statement. “Beach-goers are advised to check the website for ongoing closures in the coming days.”
The death is the first in a shark attack in Australia’s most populous city since a swimmer was killed off a beach in February 2022, becoming Sydney’s first such fatality since 1963. Simon Nellist, a 35-year-old diving instructor from Cornwall, was mauled by a great white shark at a fishing spot near Little Bay.
There have been three other fatal shark attacks in Australia in 2025, data from the state-run operator of Sydney’s Taronga Zoo shows. In March, a woman attacked by a shark at a southern Sydney beach was saved by a group of beachgoers who waded into the water to rescue her.
The woman, in her fifties, suffered a serious laceration from the shark attack and was losing a lot of blood. Police said members of the public used beach towels to try to stop the bleeding while they waited for paramedics to arrive.
The same month, a surfer was killed by a shark in shallow water on a remote beach in Western Australia.
Surfer mauled to death by shark at Sydney beach in rare attack
A 57-year-old surfer was reportedly mauled to death by a suspected large shark. The attack occurred in the Pacific waters near Long Reef and Dee Why beaches. According to authorities, he lost “a number of limbs” during the encounter. Local authorities closed surrounding beaches for at least 24 hours and initiated patrols using drones and surf lifesavers on water skis to monitor for any further shark activity. This incident marks the first fatal shark attack in Sydney since 2022 when a British diving instructor was killed.
A tragic incident unfolded Saturday at a popular beach in Sydney, where a 57-year-old surfer was reportedly mauled to death by a suspected large shark. This rare attack occurred in the Pacific waters near Long Reef and Dee Why beaches while the man was surfing with friends. According to authorities, he lost “a number of limbs” during the encounter. New South Wales police superintendent John Duncan revealed that both the surfer and his board disappeared underwater before the body was later found floating in the surf.
Witnesses, including fellow surfers, attempted to rescue him, managing to bring him to shore. However, efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful, as he had already lost significant blood by the time help arrived. The incident has deeply affected the community, with many expressing their shock and sorrow at the loss.
In the wake of the attack, the police reported sightings of the alleged ocean predator and are working alongside government experts to analyze the remains of the surfer’s board and body to help determine the shark species involved. Australia is home to approximately 100 shark species, many of which can pose a threat to humans. Notably, great whites, bull sharks, and tiger sharks have been responsible for most serious shark bites in the region.
In response to the attack, local authorities closed surrounding beaches for at least 24 hours and initiated patrols using drones and surf lifesavers on water skis to monitor for any further shark activity. Despite the alarming nature of the incident, fatal shark attacks are exceptionally rare in Australia. In 2024, the International Shark Attack File recorded only seven fatal attacks worldwide, including four unprovoked cases.
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This incident marks the first fatal shark attack in Sydney since 2022 when a British diving instructor was killed off Little Bay. Previously, the city had not seen a deadly shark encounter since 1963. Earlier this year, in March, another surfing-related death occurred along the remote Wharton Beach in Western Australia, while a separate incident in South Australia left another surfer presumed dead after a shark attack.
Historically, Australia has recorded over 1,280 shark incidents since 1791, resulting in more than 250 fatalities, emphasizing both the risks and fascination surrounding these ocean predators.
Community Mourns Greek-Australian Surfer Killed in Sydney Shark Attack
Mercury Psillakis, 57, was attacked while surfing at his favorite spot. Friends and neighbors are supporting his wife, young daughter, and twin brother. The attack occurred on the eve of Father’s Day in Australia. Shark attacks are rare in Australia but can be fatal, particularly in popular surfing areas like Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The community has come together to mourn Mercury’‘Mercury’ and his twin brother Mike, who shared a lifelong passion for surfing. The brothers grew up in Dee Why after their parents moved there in 1962.
The attack occurred on the eve of Father’s Day in Australia. Psillakis had been surfing for around 30 minutes when a large shark struck him about 100 meters from the shoreline of Long Reef Beach. Shark attacks are rare in Australia but can be fatal, particularly in popular surfing areas like Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
New South Wales Police Inspector Smart Thompson said, “The surfer and his board disappeared into the water. Friends reached the shore safely. Shortly after, his body was found floating on the board. Two others swam out to retrieve him, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.”
🇦🇺
Tragedia en las playas del norte de Sídney: Mercury Psillakis, surfista de 57 años🏄♂️, murió tras ser atacado por un tiburón en Long Reef Beach, cerca de Dee Why 🦈
🩸El animal le causó heridas catastróficas pese a que otros surfistas lo ayudaron
🏖️🛑Playas de Manly a Narrabeen… pic.twitter.com/oc9sfOESMW — Sonar 360 (@Sonar360) September 6, 2025
Mourning in the community
Psillakis was well-known in Dee Why. Locals described him as warm, welcoming, and always present at the beach. The tragedy has deeply affected the community. Many recall Mercury’s generosity and friendly nature.
Mercury and his twin brother Mike shared a lifelong passion for surfing. Mike runs a surfboard manufacturing business. The brothers grew up in Dee Why after their parents moved there in 1962.
Both were active in local clubs, including the Long Reef Boardriders Association. Mercury, nicknamed “Merc,” had recently organized a paddle-out to honor a late fellow surfer.
Surfing achievements and legacy
Mercury Psillakis was crowned club champion in 1994. His brother followed in 1999. Beyond competitions, Mercury often mentored younger surfers. He participated in community events, making him a beloved figure on the Northern Beaches.
Family members were seen comforting one another on the sand near a cordoned-off area. The community has come together to mourn Mercury’s death. His passing has left a lasting impact on both the local and Greek-Australian communities.
Dad killed in ‘freak’ shark attack at popular Sydney beach remembered as ‘good bloke’
Mercury Psillakis, 57, was surfing with friends about 100 metres off Long Reef in Dee Why when he was bitten by what police described as a “large” shark. He suffered catastrophic injuries and lost several limbs in what was a “freak” attack. Beaches from Narrabeen to Manly have since been closed, and will remain so for at least 24 hours. 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. NSW premier Chris Minns said this was an “awful tragedy” Lifeguards and lifesavers have offered their condolences to the victim’s family and the wider community. Sydney residents 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. For now, please remain clear of the water at beaches and follow the way of the direction of life.
The 57-year-old father and experienced surfer had been with friends about 100 metres off Long Reef in Dee Why when he was attacked by what police said was a “large” shark about 10am on Saturday.
”We understand he leaves behind a wife and a young daughter, and [Sunday] being Father’s Day, it’s particularly critical and tragic,” Northern Beaches Police Area Commander Superintendent John Duncan said.
Mercury Psillakis, 57, was surfing with several friends about 100 metres off Long Reef in Dee Why when he was bitten by what police described as a “large” shark. (Nine)
Duncan said Psillakis suffered catastrophic injuries and lost several limbs in what was a “freak” attack.
Psillakis and his board disappeared before he was found floating in the water.
Surfers pulled him to shore but, despite efforts to save his life, he had lost a lot of blood and died at the scene.
Psillakis’ wife and daughter rushed to the beach after hearing the news. His brother, Mike, arrived shortly after.
Psillakis was an experienced surfer who lived in the area and never missed a morning out on the waves.
Sean Pearce 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.”
Psillakis’ wife and daughter rushed to the beach after hearing the news. His brother, Mike, arrived shortly after. (Nine)
Police said the attack was a “freak incident that happens very, very rarely”. (Nine)
Authorities offered their condolences to Psillakis’ family and the wider tightknit 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.
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.”
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.
Beaches from Narrabeen to Manly have since been closed, and will remain so for at least 24 hours.
Dee Why is expected to remain closed for up to 76 hours.
Authorities were out in the water trying to find the shark, but were unable to do so.
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.
Surfers pulled him to shore but, despite efforts to save his life, he had lost a lot of blood and died at the scene. (Nine)
Northern Beaches Police Area Commander Superintendent John Duncan. (Nine)
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.
Drone operators will be scanning the water for any signs of shark activity. (Nine)
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.
Three shark drumlines were set at Dee Why Beach this morning. (Sydney Morning Herald)
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 this 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.