Great White Shark Kills Surfer, Sydney Beaches Closed

A 57-year-old experienced surfer, Mercury Psillakis, was fatally attacked by a great white shark measuring up to 3.6 meters at Long Reef Beach in Sydney. Despite efforts from fellow surfers who pulled him from the water, Psillakis succumbed to severe injuries, marking Sydney's first shark-attack death since 2022. In response to the attack, authorities have increased surveillance with drones, helicopters, and SMART drumlines, and temporarily closed multiple beaches including Dee Why and Long Reef. The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development paused a planned shark net removal trial and deployed additional safety measures to protect beachgoers. This incident is the fourth fatal shark attack in Australia in 2025, highlighting ongoing risks in the region. Local officials continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent further tragedies.