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Widow of Sydney Shark Victim Urges Drone Patrols and Drum Lines as Premier Reviews Plan

Her appeal follows questions over off‑season patrols and a delayed shark alarm.

Overview

  • Two months after her husband Mercury Psillakis was killed while surfing on the northern beaches, Maria Psillakis publicly called for an evidence‑based overhaul of shark‑safety measures.
  • Her proposals center on expanding drone surveillance across Sydney beaches and deploying smart drum lines, with a request for a roundtable involving scientists and surf lifesavers.
  • Wakehurst MP Michael Regan says he has raised the plan with Premier Chris Minns, who is having the proposals investigated rather than taking a knee‑jerk approach.
  • The September attack occurred about two weeks before patrol season, the local surf club was closed, the shark alarm reportedly sounded 45 minutes later, and children were seen swimming near the site soon after.
  • Reports note the shark was untagged and the victim was about 80 metres offshore, while accounts differ on his age and the exact beach location, which remain inconsistently reported across outlets.