Deadly shark attack shocks Sydney, drones help with search

On Saturday morning, a fatal shark attack occurred at the popular Long Reef beach in Sydney, killing 57-year-old Mercury Psillakis.

The attack took place about 100 meters from shore while the man was surfing with his friends. According to police, he was pulled from the water with severe injuries, including the loss of several limbs, and died at the scene.

Following the attack, two beaches in the area were closed indefinitely while investigations continue.
To monitor the water, authorities used drones and a helicopter to observe the movements of sharks in the area. Biologists estimate that the shark was likely a great white shark measuring approximately 3.4 to 3.6 meters in length.

This tragic incident is the first fatal shark attack in Sydney since 2022. Australia is one of the countries with the highest number of unprovoked shark attacks worldwide.

(reuters, sie)