Father, 57, killed in ‘Freak’ Shark on Popular Beach: ‘Terrible Tragedy’

A father was killed in a shark attack while surfing with friends in Sydney, Australia.

About 10:00 at Local Time on Saturday September 6, rescue services responded to reports that a man had suffered “critical injuries” after being bitten by a “big shark” on the northern beaches, says New South Wales police in a News notice.

“He was taken from the burn and brought to the beach. But died on the scene,” the NSW police said.

The man, identified as 57-year-old Mercury psillakis, had surfed with friends about 100 meters from Long Reef Beach when a shark pulled him underwater just 30 minutes after coming in, 7news Australia reported.

“Officials associated with the Northern Beace’s Police Area Command have closed the beach and will cooperate with experts from the Department of Primary Industries to determine the species of Hajar,” pronounced the NSW police, according to the news message. “Two parts of a surfboard have been recovered and taken for expert survey.”

Psillakis lost several limbs in the attack, said NSW Police Inspector Stuart Thomson at a press conference Per 7 News Australia.

“His (friends) managed to get back to the beach safely and a short time later his body was found fluently in the burn and a couple of other people went out and recovered it,” Thomson said. “Attempts to save his life did not succeed.”

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Psillakis – who leaves behind a wife and a young daughter – was an experienced surfer and was part of a group that browses north of the Lifeguard Tower against Long Reef, away from the patrolled area, said Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNW) told Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

“Our deepest condolences go to the family to the man involved in this terrible tragedy,” said SLSNW’s CEO Steve Pearce in a statement obtained by the outlet. “Volunteers will continue to help the Council and the authorities to protect the public from further danger in any way we can.”

Detective superintendent John Duncan called the tragedy a “freak” event that “very rarely” occurs in the area, Per ABC. Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter and police boats were sent out after the incident in the middle of attempts to find the shark.

“Tomorrow is Father’s Day especially … Tragic,” said Thomson Per 7news Australia. “Our heart goes out to (family).”

The beaches between Manly to Narrabeen have been closed in anticipation of further advice, the NSW police stated, according to the news message.

People have reached the NSW police for further comments.