Mike Psillakis, the twin brother of surfer Mercury Psillakis, has shared an emotional tribute following his sibling’s tragic death in a shark attack. Mike, a Sydney native, recently returned to the waves at Dee Why Beach to honor Mercury’s memory just days after the horrific incident that claimed his brother’s life on September 7.
Mercury was surfing about 300 feet off Long Reef Beach when he was attacked by a shark believed to be around 20 feet in length. Witnesses recalled how Mercury, an experienced surfer, had been warning others of the predator moments before the attack. According to former pro surfer Toby Martin, Mercury was still attempting to gather the group when the shark struck with terrifying speed, pulling him beneath the water and destroying his board. Tragically, his remains washed ashore, and there was no chance of resuscitation due to the severity of his injuries.
In an emotional social media post, Mike reflected on his own difficult journey in the days following his brother’s death, including a poignant paddle-out ceremony with friends to honor Mercury’s life. “Was good to get the monkey off my back this morning with some of my close friends and a few other special friends from other beaches on the peninsula,” Mike wrote. He went on to describe how his first wave back in the ocean felt like a special gift from Mercury. “My first wave was undoubtedly gifted to me from my brother Mercury,” Mike said, recalling how the wave came unexpectedly, despite the substandard conditions.
Mike, the twin brother of Mercury Psillakis, took to the ocean to celebrate his sibling’s life (Instagram/psillakissurfboards)
Mike also shared the deep connection he and Mercury shared, highlighting their synchronicity in surfing. He posted a screenshot of an old text exchange where the brothers had communicated in a way that felt almost telepathic. In one instance, Mike had texted Mercury about the waves at Curl Curl Beach, only for Mercury to respond with the same question moments later, leading Mike to remark, “Wow. I sent your answer before you sent the question.”
In his reflection, Mike expressed a bittersweet feeling of loss, writing: “I take solace in knowing that when Merc died, a part of me died with him. But more importantly, a part of him lives through me, helping me to carry his flame as long as I live.” Mike’s tribute shows the unbreakable bond the twins shared, not just in life but in the deep connection they had in their surfing passion.
As the family grieves, a GoFundMe page has been set up to support Mercury’s wife and children in the wake of this tragic loss. The heartbreaking details of Mercury’s final moments and the outpouring of support for his family have struck a chord with many, drawing attention to both the danger of shark attacks and the close-knit nature of the surfing community.
