Shark attack kills famous surfer in Hawaii – mourners flock to the scene

Tamayo Perry, a professional surfer and actor who is in the Pirates of the Caribbean series, was killed in a shark attack in Hawaii.

The 49-year-old, who also worked as a lifeguard for Honolulu Ocean Safety, was attacked near Goat Island off the north coast of Oahu on Sunday, according to authorities. Perry, who appeared in episodes of Hawaii Five-O and the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean Film, was brought to shore on a jet ski, but had suffered several bites and could not be rescued.

It is still unclear what species of shark was responsible for the attack. The attack is believed to have occurred around 1 p.m. while Perry was surfing during a break from his lifeguard duties. Surfing website Stab Mag, which called the surfer an “icon” of the sport and a well-known pipeline specialist, said Perry was found with a missing arm and leg after the shark bit off two of his limbs. It is believed to be the first time a professional surfer has been bitten to death by a shark.

Perry was born in 1975 and began surfing at age 12, according to the Encyclopaedia of Surfing website, winning the Pipeline Masters in 1999. A profile of Perry on his own website states that throughout his career he has prided himself on proving “that this little island boy can compete with the best in the world.”

In the 2000s, Perry regularly appeared in films or television shows due to his prowess on the waves. “Besides surfing, acting is another great passion of mine,” Perry confirmed on his website.

He appeared in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides in 2011 and the surf hit of 2002 Blue Swarmas well as appearances in the TV series Lost And Hawaii Five-0and several commercials – including an ad for Coca-Cola.

Perry joined Ocean Safety as a lifeguard in 2016 and later founded his own surf school called Oahu Surfing Experience with his wife, professional surfer Emilia Perry. The couple met at a competition when they were young; Emilia Perry travelled from her home in Australia to Hawaii to compete in a competition when she was 18. They married a few years later, she said on her surf school’s website, adding that she learned a lot from her husband: “The tremendous knowledge of the ocean that Tamayo has imparted to me over the years is priceless.”

Numerous tributes were received from friends, colleagues and fans.

The “well-known North Shore ferryman (…) was a model of bravery, dedication and a deep sense of duty,” Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said in a statement. “His heroic actions and tireless dedication to the safety of our residents and visitors will never be forgotten.”

Kurt Lager, Honolulu Ocean’s assistant chief of lifeguard services, said, “Tamayo Perry was a beloved lifeguard who was well known on the North Shore, a world-renowned professional surfer. Tamayo’s personality was infectious, and as much as people loved him, he loved everyone else even more. Our condolences go out to Tamayo’s family and the entire lifeguard ohana. We ask that his family have some privacy during this time.”

Newsweek has contacted Honolulu Ocean Safety via email requesting further information and comment.

One fan wrote on social media site X (formerly Twitter): “I met Tamayo Perry and his sweet wife Emilia at a talk show in Turtle Bay earlier this year where he was reminiscing about surfing on the North Shore. He was special. What a tragic loss.”

Another commenter added: “RIP Tamayo Perry (…) May he rest in eternal rest.”

Following Sunday’s attack, shark warnings were posted on beaches in the area.

Perry’s death came just weeks after a 25-year-old woman was attacked by a shark under similar circumstances on the North Shore of Oahu and was left in serious condition.

And in a disturbing coincidence, attacks occurred on the same day across the country in Florida, leaving two victims with “devastating” injuries.

Although this is believed to be the first time a professional surfer has been killed by a shark, the tragedy is not the first time a surfer has been attacked. In 2003, rising surf star Bethany Hamilton (then just 13 years old) lost her left arm to a tiger shark in Kauai. She recovered from her injuries and became a professional surfer.