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A 57-year-old man has died after being bitten by what officials are calling a “large shark,” while surfing at Long Reef Beach north of Sydney, Australia, police confirmed Saturday. Photo by Dean Lewins/EPA-EFE
Sept. 6 (UPI) --A man has died after being bitten by what officials are calling a "large shark," off a beach in Sydney, Australia, police confirmed Saturday.
The man's surfboard was bitten in two during the attack, which happened around 10 a.m. AEST at Long Reef Beach, a popular surfing location north of Sydney.
The man, identified by the Sydney Morning Herald as Mercury Psillakis, suffered critical injuries, losing both of his legs. Officials said he died at the scene.
Witnesses estimated the shark to be almost 20 feet in length and occurred some 320 feet from shore.
"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," the New South Wales Police said in a statement.
"Two sections of a surfboard have been recovered and taken for expert examination."
The beach was heavily populated with surfers at the time of the shark attack, which happened a day before Father's Day in Australia.
Psillakis was a father and well-known member of the local surfer community, local media reported.
Shark attacks are commonplace in Australia, with the country experiencing on average around 10 injuries and 2.8 deaths per year attributed to sharks over the last decade, according to data from the Taronga Conservation Society.
Over 90% of all shark bite incidents in Australia involve White Sharks, Bull Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Wobbegongs and other whaler sharks, according to the society.
Long Reef Beach falls under the New South Wales Shark Management Program, a collection of nets and drumlines, drones and other measures meant to keep the animals from attacking humans.
Instead of catching waves, a Sooke surfer caught the attention of a “frisky” sea otter who decided to try its paw at the sport, climbing onboard to ride tandem.
“[It was] a unique experience that I'll cherish forever,” said Philip Blenkiron.
And unique it certainly was, with the aquatic animal taking a puzzling overzealous liking to the surfer.
Before his encounter, Blenkiron says he observed the sea otter “harassing” another surfer, who decided to exit the water.
So when the marine mammal set his sights on him, Blenkiron says he was initially concerned.
“He seemed super chill at first, then it playfully bit my arm,” he said. “Wasn't much force at all, so figured he was playing.”
When he realized the animal meant no harm, Blenkiron leaned into the moment and enjoyed it.
But he soon realized the sea otter was a bit wet behind the ears when it came to surfing etiquette – the animal was clearly not aware of rule number one: ‘The surfer who is nearest the area where the wave is breaking has priority to surf it.’
“I continued to paddle for waves but he kept jumping on my board and getting too close, not leaving me room to paddle,” said Blenkiron, who tried to mix up his behaviour to confuse the animal.
“Eventually I caught a few waves but the otter would race me and he beat me every time to where the wave would finish.
“At times he would just roll on his back and clean himself beside me.”
Unable to catch a break (literally) and concerned the animal was “trying to get frisky,” Blenkiron decided to call it a day.
“[It was] hard to read as my otter whispering skills aren't that advanced,” he said.
Capturing the interaction on camera was wildlife photographer Joyce MacKinnon, who was exploring Whiffin Spit with friends hoping to sight the sea otter reported to be in the area.
"When the little otter approached [Blenkiron], we all just stood on the shore and went 'Holy smokers' and watched the otter climb onto his board and look at the fellow," said MacKinnon.
According to MacKinnon, the animal climbed onto the surfboard several times, staying in the vicinity of Blenkiron for five minutes.
"I was just so amazed at how calm the surfer was," she said. "He totally was non-threatening, there was no panic in his movements, which makes all the difference to animals."
This is not the first time a board-riding sea otter has made waves in Sooke.
In August 2024, a Sooke paddleboarder was surprised when a sea otter climbed onboard for a lift to shore.
According to Wild Wise, the Sooke-based wildlife education organization, climbing onto surf and paddleboards is not “typical behaviour” for the marine mammal, so it is possible the two encounters could involve the same animal.
But Mollie Cameron, Wild Wise director, says she cannot be certain.
“Often times sea otters are quite timid of boats and people, and dive to safety,” she said.
Joanie Paquin and her sister were surprised to be joined on their paddleboard by a curious sea otter in August 2024. (Courtesy of Joanie Paquin)
For Cameron, the Whiffin Spit sea otter is an encouraging sign for the animal listed as 'special concern' under the Species at Risk Act.
In the last several years, only a handful of sea otters have been observed “this far east” in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, she says.
The wildlife expert hopes the recent sightings of this otter and others, could be a sign the animal is returning to the area after the fur trade in the early 1900s decimated their presence along the B.C. coast.
While the tale of the curious Whiffin Spit sea otter has entertained and fascinated the community in online groups, Cameron urges against others seeking out their own interaction.
As while the Whiffin Spit creature appears to be choosing to approach humans, Cameron says it is important for the public to try and keep its distance from all wildlife.
“Not everyone has the same intentions with wildlife and avoiding things that may habituate animals is the best way to keep them safe,” she said.
A sentiment echoed in August 2024 by Lara Sloan, communications advisor for Fisheries and Oceans Canada, after the sea otter took a trip on a Sooke paddleboard.
"When humans get too close to wildlife in their habitat, we risk disturbing and even harming them,” she said. “There are laws and guidelines about marine mammals to protect their well-being and yours."
