Lifeguard and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Actor Dies Following Suspected Shark Attack in Hawaii
A lifeguard and surf instructor, Tamayo Perry, who also appeared in films like “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” and “Blue Crush,” passed away on Sunday after an apparent shark attack on Oahu’s North Shore, according to officials.
Perry, aged 49, was an eight-year veteran of Honolulu Ocean Safety and a well-known figure in the North Shore community, remarked Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi in a statement. Mayor Blangiardi praised Perry, highlighting his bravery, dedication, and profound sense of duty. Perry’s commitment to ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors through his heroic actions and relentless efforts will always be remembered, Blangiardi added.
The incident occurred just before 1 p.m. on Sunday. Honolulu Ocean Safety, along with other emergency responders, received a call about a surfer fatally injured in a shark attack, said Shayne Enright, a spokesperson for Honolulu Emergency Medical Services. Responding by jet ski, Honolulu Ocean Safety brought Perry to shore where he was pronounced dead by first responders.
Perry, known worldwide as a professional surfer, was cherished by many for his infectious personality. Kurt Lager, the acting Chief of Honolulu Ocean Safety, stated that Perry loved everyone just as much as they loved him. Perry’s profile on the Oahu Surfing Experience website includes credits in “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” “Charlie’s Angels 2,” “Blue Crush,” and TV shows like “Lost” and “Hawaii Five-0.” He also featured in various national and international advertising campaigns. Perry’s own words on the site reflected his lively personality, noting that even when not acting, he was always a character, bringing a lot of fun wherever he went.
Perry’s wife, Emilia Perry, originally from Western Australia, competed professionally as a bodyboarder before moving to Hawaii. It was there that she met Tamayo and began surfing competitively. Her biography on the surfing website describes their meeting during a competition at Pipeline when she was 18. They later married and shared a life filled with surfing and ocean activities. Emilia expressed that the extensive ocean knowledge Tamayo shared with her over the years was invaluable.
The University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File recorded 120 shark bite incidents in 2023, with 36 occurring in the United States. Of these, eight were in Hawaii, including one fatal attack. According to the report, 42% of the shark bites worldwide in 2023 involved surfers. Although the number of bites and fatalities increased from the previous year, the report indicates that these numbers align with recent trends.
In response to Perry’s tragic death, Mayor Blangiardi emphasized that the Honolulu community would provide the necessary support. He reflected on the daily risks faced by lifeguards and extended heartfelt gratitude for their service. As the community grieves Perry’s loss, his legacy of dedication and heroism continues to resonate deeply with those who knew him and benefited from his unwavering commitment to ocean safety.