Greek Australian man killed by shark

He is 57-year-old Mercury Psillakis, whose sudden death after being attacked by a shark at his favorite surfing spot has shocked the Greek community in Australia and the local community, which is supporting his wife, young daughter and twin brother.

On the eve of "Father's Day" in Australia, the Greek Australian was surfing for about half an hour when, about 100 meters from the shore of Long Reach Beach, he was attacked by a "large" shark, as described by the police.

The Greek-born surfer and his board were lost in the water, but his friends "managed to get him safely to shore and a short time later his body was found floating on the board and two other people swam there and retrieved it. Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful," New South Wales Police Inspector Smart Thompson said at a press conference.

Local community mourns death of diaspora member
According to Australian media, "almost everyone" in Dee Why knew Merkouris Psyllakis and his brother, describing the expatriate as a warm and welcoming person who was always at the beach.

The twin brothers, Mercouris and Mike, loved surfing (the latter even has his own surfboard manufacturing company) and lived since they were young in the coastal community of Dee Why, where their parents had moved in 1962.

Deeply rooted in the community, they participated in clubs and organizations, while "Merc", as he was affectionately called, had recently organized a "paddle out" in honor of an old surfer who had passed away.

They were also members of the Long Reef Boardriders Association.

The expatriate was crowned club champion in 1994 and his brother followed in 1999.

Family members were seen hugging and supporting each other as they sat on the sand, a few meters away from a stage that had been set up and blocked off from the public.