Tragedy at Dee Why: Beloved Local Surfer Dies in Rare Shark Attack on Sydney’s Northern Beaches

Fatal Incident Shocks Local Community

A tragic shark attack at Dee Why Beach, Sydney, has claimed the life of 57-year-old local resident Mercury Psillakis on Saturday morning. The incident occurred shortly after 10:00 AM, approximately 100m off the beach, when Psillakis, who was surfing with friends, suddenly vanished in the water.

The Attack and Immediate Response

Other surfers, initially unaware it was a shark attack, went into the water to search for Psillakis. They eventually found and pulled his badly mauled body ashore in a desperate attempt to save him. The force of the attack was so severe that his surfboard was broken into two pieces.

The tragedy is particularly poignant as it occurred on the eve of Father’s Day in Australia, leaving behind his wife, young daughter, and twin brother.

Community Impact and Background

Mercury and his twin brother Mike, who runs a surfboard manufacturing business, shared a lifelong passion for surfing. The brothers grew up in Dee Why after their parents moved there in 1962 and were active in local clubs, including the Long Reef Boardriders Association.

Safety Measures and Closure

Beaches from Manly to Narrabeen will remain closed for at least 24 hours, with Dee Why beach potentially closed for 48 to 72 hours. Surf Life Saving NSW has deployed drones and jet skis to search for signs of shark activity, and nearby clubs have cancelled all training and water activities for the weekend.

Historical Context

This marks the first fatal attack in Sydney since February 2022, when British diving instructor Simon Nellist was taken by a great white off Little Bay. On the northern beaches specifically, the last known fatal attack occurred at North Narrabeen 90 years ago.