Australia is very popular for its lovely, bright beaches, with many surfers hitting the waves each and every day. Underneath the luscious waves hides one of nature’s biggest predators, known as sharks. The common great white shark can be up to 13 feet long and 6.7 feet wide.
On September 6, 2025, near Dee Why and Long Reef beaches in Sydney’s northern coastline, 57-year-old Mercury Psillakis was attacked by a great white shark while surfing. This tragedy ended in Mercury’s death, and it split his board in two. According to the police, he “lost a number of limbs.” This was the first fatal shark attack since 2022, when a 35-year-old diving instructor was killed off the coast of Little Bay.
The last one before that was in 1963, according to TheUsSun.com. These occurrences definitely don’t happen frequently, but still can be rather traumatizing. Mercury, known as Merc by his loved ones, had a young daughter and a wife. According to greekcitytimes.com, Psillaki’s legs were both amputated by the great white. Mercury saw the shark, and in his last moments, he alerted others, urging them to get out of the water as fast as they could. “He was really treasured,” one local said during an interview. He died doing what he loved most, accompanied by those he loved.
According to the Daily Telegraph, eyewitnesses reported seeing Psillakis trying to warn others moments before the attack. “He was waving at us… he knew the shark was coming,” said fellow surfer and friend, Alex Manos. Surfboard fragments have been recovered and are being analyzed to help identify the shark’s species. Experts believe it may have been a great white shark based on the bite pattern and the severity of the injuries. In response to this tragedy, beaches from Manly to Narrabeen were closed, and drones and smart drumlines were deployed. NSW Fisheries confirmed that this may have been the first fatal shark attack in the state in 2025. Marine experts also say this shark may have mistaken the surfer for prey. “This appears to be a case of mistaken identity, a tragic but natural occurrence,” said marine biologist Dr. Vanessa Pirotta.
His family remembered Mercury as a “loving spiritual father and protector.” His daughter, Freedom, said at his funeral: “You died the way you lived, fearless and selfless.” She followed her speech with, “You weren’t just my dad; you were my hero.” Psillakis’s wife, Maria, described him as “A man who loved the ocean, his family, and life. He lived with passion and grace.” His funeral was held at the Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church in Crows Nest. Mourners paid tribute with a surfboard guard of honor.
This incident has stirred up a debate about shark safety in Australia. Local counselor Vincent De Luca called for increased investment in shark surveillance technology, stating, “This is a heartbreaking reminder that we must do more to protect ocean users.” However, Environmental Groups caution against overreaction. “We share the ocean with these creatures. Fatal attacks are rare, and sharks play a critical role in the ecosystem,” said a spokesperson from Sea Shepherd Australia.
A tragedy like this can really cut deep into the surrounding peoples lives. To wrap things up Mercury was loved by many, but most importantly; loved the sea.
