The Greek-Australian community is mourning the tragic death of 57-year-old surfer Mercury Psillakis, who was killed in a shark attack at Dee Why on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
The well-known ομογενής, a passionate surfer and respected figure in the local community, was attacked by what witnesses described as a six-metre shark at Long Reef Beach on Saturday morning. Despite the efforts of fellow surfers who pulled him from the water, he could not be saved and died at the scene from catastrophic injuries.
Mr Psillakis was deeply connected to Dee Why’s surfing culture. His twin brother, Mike, operates Psillakis Surfboards, while Mercury himself was crowned club champion of the Long Reef Boardriders Association in 1994. In May, he organised a tribute paddle-out for fellow surfer Shane Herring, reflecting his role as a pillar of the surfing community.
Friends and fellow surfers paid heartfelt tributes. Legendary surfer Derek Hynd described him as a “keystone” of the local area, while others remembered him as “the kindest and most genuine man both in and out of the water.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns expressed his condolences, calling the attack a “shocking tragedy” for Mr Psillakis’ family and the Dee Why community.
He is survived by his wife Maria and their daughter, in a heartbreaking loss that came just one day before Father’s Day.
Authorities have closed Dee Why Beach for 48–72 hours as investigations continue into the species of shark involved. Police confirmed that Mr Psillakis’ surfboard was broken in half during the attack, and that he had lost several limbs.
For Sydney’s Northern Beaches, and for the wider Greek-Australian community, the loss of Mercury Psillakis is devastating. He will be remembered not only as a skilled surfer, but as a devoted husband, father, and community figure whose passion for the ocean inspired many.
