Hundreds of surfers gathered at Long Reef Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches to honour Mercury Psillakis, who was killed in a shark attack earlier this month.
Three weeks after the 57-year-old’s death, his twin brother Mike Psillakis led a traditional paddle out, with surfers forming a large circle in the water while holding hands and splashing in tribute. Hundreds more lined the shore to pay their respects.
Before the ceremony, Mike ran along the beach with his surfboard, retracing the routine he shared with his brother each morning before their daily surf.
Fighting back tears, he spoke of their “beautiful” connection, recalling how they encouraged each other in the waves and shared constant banter. “I still feel him with me, giving me little whispers,” he said.
Participants also held palm fronds in recognition of Mercury’s love for the species.
Natasha Gee, president of the Long Reef Boardriders Association, described the paddle out as “our way of saying goodbye to a fellow surfer,” adding that the circle symbolised “unity, togetherness, camaraderie, love of one another.”
On social media, attendees called the ceremony “beautiful, heartwarming, so very special.”
Psillakis, a father and long-time surfer, was attacked by a white shark measuring up to 3.6 metres while surfing at Long Reef a day before Father’s Day.
Friends later described his final moments as “heroic,” saying he warned others to band together and return to shore.
A funeral for Psillakis was held at the Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church on September 18.
Source: ABC.
