A fatal shark attack occurred at Dee Why Beach in early September 2025. A 57-year-old local man, Mercury Psillakis, was surfing with friends when he was attacked by a large shark, likely a great white measuring about 12 feet (3.4-3.6 meters). The attack caused catastrophic injuries, including the loss of multiple limbs, and snapped his surfboard in two. Despite efforts by fellow surfers, lifeguards, and paramedics, he was declared deceased at the shoreline shortly after the attack. Authorities responded by closing nearby beaches and increasing shark surveillance with drones, jet-skis, and smart drumlines. The attack was sudden, and early warning was given to other surfers, but the shark still managed to reach Psillakis as he tried to retreat to shore.

Why Shark Attacks Occur

Shark attacks such as this are often influenced by several factors including:

• Presence of sharks in the area year-round due to environmental conditions.
• Food availability attracting sharks near popular beaches.
• Ocean conditions such as weather and tides that may bring sharks closer to shore.
  In this case, tagged white sharks had been detected nearby in the days preceding the attack, indicating active shark presence in the area.

This incident highlights the risks in shark-inhabited waters despite surveillance and safety measures.