Tag: Mercury Psillakis

Surfing Community Unites to Honour Mercury Psillakis

Hundreds of mourners gathered at Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church in Crows Nest on 18 September to farewell Mercury Psillakis, the surfer who died in a shark attack off Dee Why beach.

Read: Surfer Killed in Shark Attack off Long Reef, Dee Why Beach Closed

The 56-year-old father and long-time member of the local surfing community passed away on Saturday, 6 September, after being mauled by a five-metre great white shark. He had been surfing with friends just after 9:30 a.m. and had been in the water for around half an hour when the attack occurred. 

Mercury Psillakis
Photo credit: James/Google Maps

Witnesses said he was only about 100 metres from shore when he disappeared beneath the surface. Fellow surfers managed to bring him to land, but he had suffered catastrophic injuries and could not be revived.

Psillakis was remembered as a devoted husband, father, son, and brother. His funeral service was held at 11am at the Crows Nest church, before a committal at Frenchs Forest Bushland Cemetery in Belrose. A wake followed at Dee Why RSL, where family and friends continued to pay tribute to his life.

At the service, surfboards carried by mourners formed a guard of honour, and a floral arrangement shaped like a surfboard stood at the pulpit, symbolising his deep connection to the ocean. Inside, his maroon casket bore the marks of kisses and touches from relatives, friends, and fellow surfers.

Mercury Psillakis
Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church (Photo credit: Google Street View)

Tributes recalled Mercury Psillakis as a man with a strong sense of community, someone who stood by loved ones during illness and hardship, and who spent much of his time in the water with his surfing mates. His final moments, spent warning others of the danger, were described as consistent with his selfless nature.

His wife Maria and daughter Freedom were at the centre of the farewell, supported by family as they offered their last goodbyes.

Read: Once-Overlooked Dee Why Becomes Northern Beaches Hotspot

In lieu of flowers, donations were collected at the church for the Cure Cancer Australia Foundation, reflecting Psillakis’ generosity and ongoing legacy of care for others.

Published 19-September-2025

Surfer Killed in Shark Attack off Long Reef, Dee Why Beach Closed

A surfer has died after being mauled by a shark while in the water at Long Reef on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, prompting extended beach closures and an urgent investigation.

Read: Dee Why Beach Incident Highlights Shark Net Controversy, Removal Being Considered

The 57-year-old man, named as Mercury Psillakis, was surfing with friends just after 9:30am on Saturday when the attack occurred. Police said he had been in the water for around half an hour and was only about 100 metres from shore when he disappeared beneath the surface. Fellow surfers managed to bring him back to land, but he had suffered catastrophic injuries and could not be revived. His surfboard was later found broken in two.

Photo credit: James/Google Maps

Authorities closed Dee Why Beach, the closest patrolled location, where restrictions will remain in place for up to 72 hours. Beaches between Manly and Narrabeen have also been temporarily shut. Drones have been deployed along the coastline, and five SMART drumlines are now set between Dee Why and Long Reef to detect shark movements. A shark net is already in place at Dee Why.

The Department of Primary Industries is examining photographs and damaged equipment to identify the species of shark involved. Police divers also assisted in recovering evidence from the scene.

“Officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command have closed the beach and will liaise with experts from the Department of Primary Industries to determine the species of shark involved,” the NSW Police Force announced.

“Two sections of a surfboard have been recovered and taken for expert examination.”

“Beaches between Manly to Narrabeen have been closed pending further advice.”

Psillakis, an experienced surfer and father, leaves behind a wife and young daughter. The Northern Beaches community has expressed its grief, with tributes flowing for a man described as well-known in local surf circles. Council and Surf Life Saving officials thanked first responders and members of the public who tried to help.

Read: Teenager Rushed to Hospital After Suspected Blue-Ringed Octopus Bite at Dee Why Beach

The incident has shocked the coastal community, with authorities urging beachgoers to follow safety warnings and check updates on closures in the coming days.

Published 8-September-2025