The shark that killed a beloved dad and surfer on Sydney’s northern beaches at the weekend is believed to have been about 3.6m long.
Mercury Psillakis, 57, was attacked and killed by the great white while surfing off Long Reef Beach on Saturday.
The father-of-one had only been in the water for about 30 minutes before the shark mauled him, causing the loss of multiple limbs.
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“NSW government shark biologists have assessed photographs of the victim’s surfboard and determined a white shark approximately 3.4-3.6m in length was likely responsible,” NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) said on Monday.
“Based on information from emergency services, it is understood the incident occurred approximately 300m north of the Surf Life Saving club.”
Psillakis had been alerting other surfers to the shark before he was attacked, Dee Why local and former pro surfer Toby Martin said.
“We’re very aware of the playground and the environment that we’re in and conscious of the marine activity,” he said.
“Unfortunately, he was the last one furthest out to sea and ultimately paid with his life.
“But it’s important to recognise this is just a super rare incident.”
A trial removal of nets from one beach each in the Central Coast, Northern Beaches and Waverley local government areas has been paused following the attack.
Long Reef and nearby Dee Why Beach remain closed on Monday.
A tagged great white shark was spotted off Manly Beach on Monday, prompting authorities to order surfers and swimmers out of the water.
The Northern Beaches Council confirmed the beach was closed following the shark alert.
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