The family of a surfer fatally mauled by a shark on Sydney’s Northern Beaches over the weekend have remembered him as a “hero” and a “loving and devoted husband”.
Mercury Psillakis, 57 suffered catastrophic injuries at Long Reef Beach on Saturday after being bitten by what is believed to have been a white shark.
The incident occurred just hours before Father’s Day with Mr Psillakis leaving behind his wife Maria and their daughter Freedom.
On Tuesday, his family said while it was “impossible to describe him with justice in a statement”, he was a “ridiculously fun husband, father, son, brother and loyal friend”.
His family says Mr Psillakis also had a “great passion” for rare palms. (Supplied: Psillakis family)
“This is a statement that is so hard to write, as there are no words that can describe the amazing, humorous and beautiful man he is — everyone felt it,” the family said.
Affectionately known as ‘Merc’, his family said he was deeply loved by everyone who knew him.
“He was Maria’s soulmate, our best friend and the most loving father to Freedom, his daughter who he is so proud of.
Maria and Freedom have paid tribute to Mr Psillakis in a statement. (Supplied: Psillakis family)
“Their bond was extraordinary and he always placed his family above everything else. His family meant the world to him.”
‘Tragic and unavoidable accident’
Mr Psillakis was described as a family man who had many hobbies, which included a black belt in Taekwondo and travelling “far and wide” to surf.
“Merc also had a great passion for rare palms, earning him the nickname “The Germinator” — other members of the palm community would jokingly say he could even germinate a rock — a nod to his extraordinary ability to bring life from even the most unlikely seed.”
Mercury Psillakis with his daughter Freedom. (Supplied: Psillakis family)
The family said Mr Psillakis went surfing everyday and while he was always aware of the risk of a shark attack, he tried to stay vigilant when in the water.
“On Saturday, Merc saved his friends in the surf, warning them of the shark nearby,” they said.
“He was aware of the risks of the ocean and while he loved surfing, he was always vigilant about keeping himself safe.
“Unfortunately, this was a tragic and unavoidable accident.
“Merc is and will always be a hero, a loving and devoted husband, father and family man who could bring humour to every situation. We are devastated by this loss, but will forever carry his spirit, energy and joy in our hearts.”
Mr Psillakis’s loved ones at Dee Why in the aftermath of the the attack on Saturday. (ABC News: Alexander Lewis)
The family thanked emergency services, the surf lifesaving club and members of the surfing community.
“The men who were selfless and courageous by getting Merc out of the surf — we are forever grateful and pray that you get the support you need,” the statement said.
“We also want to thank the life saving club, emergency services and police that have provided invaluable guidance and support during this time — your support will never be forgotten.”
“At this time, we ask for privacy as our family grieves this unimaginable loss.”
Shark detected after attack
Days after Mr Psillakis’s death, a tagged white shark was spotted off Manly Beach.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) Shark Smart service detected the shark tag sensor on Monday.
“At the time it was tagged, it was 2.03 metres total length,” a statement from rare palms said on Monday.
“DPIRD shark scientists estimate the shark would now be approximately 2.5-2.7 metres in length.
“This is smaller than the estimated size of the white shark involved in Saturday’s incident at Dee Why.”
Government experts have estimated the shark that attacked Mr Psillakis was between 3.4m and 3.6m.