Moments before Mercury “Merc” Psillakis died at Dee Why beach on Saturday morning he warned surfers in the water with him of the presence of a shark, calling on them to group together.

“He was aware of the risks of the ocean and while he loved surfing, he was always vigilant about keeping himself safe,” said his family in a statement released to the media on Tuesday.

Scientists with the NSW Department of Primary Industry have now confirmed they believe the shark that took Psillakis to have been a great white of around 3.5 metres in length, suggesting the animal, which was not tagged, is probably an adolescent.

As the family released their statement, thanking fellow surfers who helped recover Merc from the water, as well the Life Saving Club, emergency services, police and the broader co

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