The shark that claimed the life of a surfer at Sydney’s Northern Beaches yesterday has been identified by government scientists as a white shark, approximately 3.4 to 3.6 metres long.
A frantic effort has been underway to identify the species and size of the shark after it fatally attacked Mercury Psillakis at Long Reef Beach yesterday morning.
Mr Psillakis, a 57-year-old who left behind a daughter and wife hours before Father’s Day, suffered catastrophic injuries, according to New South Wales Police.
Experienced surfer and dad dies in shark attack on Sydney’s Northern Beaches
His body was found floating in the water before being brought to shore missing “a number of limbs”.
Two pieces of his surfboard were also recovered.
“Shark biologists have assessed photographs of the victim’s surfboard and determined a white shark approximately 3.4-3.6 metres in length was likely responsible,” a spokesperson from the NSW Department of Primary Industries said.
The search for the shark is continuing, while efforts are being undertaken to keep sharks away from the shore.
Beachgoers grapple with ocean danger
The fatal attack and ongoing search for the shark have roused mixed feelings in regular beach goers.
Jemma Cook, a regular at Dee Why beach, said the tragedy had hit “so close to home” and sent “shock waves through the whole community”.
“You all know the dangers when you go out surfing and swimming, you always hear the stories — and think it’s somewhere else,” she said.
Surfer Andres Sarate described the news as sad, but was less surprised.
“It’s their habitat, we are in the water, we are in their territory,” he said.
“You can’t stop doing what you like.”
Beaches closed while the search for the shark continues
Long Reef and Dee Why beaches remain closed by the local council until further notice.
Surf Life Saving New South Wales is surveilling the waters using drones and a helicopter.
Meanwhile, the state government is doubling down on trying to divert sharks away from beaches, by increasing the number of smart drumlines in the area from three to five until Monday evening.
Authorities are yet to determine when local beaches will re-open again. (ABC News: Alexander Lewis)
Shark nets were recently installed at Dee Why, as part of a rollout that included 50 other beaches from Newcastle to Wollongong earlier this month.
The attack has made Dee Why local Jen Cooper think twice about their use.
“Up until this terrible accident, I thought the shark nets did more harm to the other wildlife out there than they did keeping the sharks at bay,” she said.
“But maybe what happened yesterday is a reminder of why they’re there.”