Father, 57, Killed in ‘Freak’ Shark at Popular Beach: ‘Terrible Tragedy’

A father was killed in a shark attack while surfing with friends in Sydney, Australia.

At around 10:00 a.m. local time on Saturday, Sept. 6, emergency services responded to reports that a man had suffered “critical injuries” after being bitten by a “large shark” on the Northern Beaches, New South Wales police said in a news release. 

“He was retrieved from the surf and brought to the shore; however, died at the scene,” NSW Police stated.

The man, identified as 57-year-old Mercury Psillakis, had been surfing with friends about 100 meters off Long Reef Beach when a shark pulled him under the water just 30 minutes after entering, 7News Australia reported. 

“Officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command have closed the beach and will liaise with experts from the Department of Primary Industries to determine the species of shark involved,” NSW Police stated, per the news release. “Two sections of a surfboard have been recovered and taken for expert examination.”

Psillakis lost multiple limbs in the attack, NSW Police Inspector Stuart Thomson said in a press conference, per 7 News Australia.

“His (friends) managed to make it back to the beach safely and a short time later his body was found floating in the surf and a couple of other people went out and recovered it,” Thomson said. “Attempts to save his life were unsuccessful.”

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Psillakis — who leaves behind a wife and a young daughter — was an experienced surfer and was part of a group surfing north of the lifeguard tower toward Long Reef, away from the patrolled area, Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) told Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

“Our deepest condolences go to the family of the man involved in this terrible tragedy,” SLSNSW CEO Steve Pearce said in a statement obtained by the outlet. “Volunteers will continue to assist Council and authorities to protect the public from further danger in any way we can.”

Detective Superintendent John Duncan called the tragedy a “freak” incident that “very rarely” occurs in the area, per ABC. The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter and police boats were sent out following the incident amid attempts to locate the shark.

“Tomorrow being Father’s Day is particularly … tragic,” Thomson said, per 7News Australia. “Our heart goes out to the [family].”

Beaches between Manly to Narrabeen have been closed pending further advice, NSW Police stated, per the news release.

PEOPLE has reached out to the NSW Police for further comment.