Rare deadly shark attack sparks ocean hunt in Sydney, Australia

A shark hunt is underway off Australia’s east coast after a father was killed in a “freak” attack at a Sydney beach.

Mercury Psillakis was mauled by what police said was a large shark at Long Reef Beach on Saturday.

The 57-year-old was attacked while surfing about 100 meters offshore, in the city’s second fatal shark incident since 1963.

Now, drone operators are scanning the water for any sign of further shark activity at the beach, which remains closed, according to CNN affiliate 9News.

Emergency services rushed to the beach shortly after 10 a.m., following reports of a man suffering critical injuries.