Pirates of the Caribbean star Tamayo Perry found dead with shark bites after fatal 'attack'

Tamayo Perry has died aged 49 from a possible shark attack after going surfing in Hawaii .

The surfer, who starred in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides , was found with several shark bites. He had been surfing off Goat Island, also known as Mokuauia , near Laie, Hawaii, before he was found dead at 1pm on Sunday, Honolulu Emergency Medical Services have announced.

Tamayo had been surfing during a break from lifeguard duties. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Tamayo was confirmed as the victim by officials after his next of kin were notified.

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Officials told the Star-Advertiser Tamayo was brought to the shore by lifeguards via jet ski. Emergency crews believe the actor may have suffered more than one shark bite.

His family has asked for privacy at this time. Members of the public have also been warned to stay out of the water, with shark warning signs posted around the area.

Acting Ocean Safety Chief Kurt Lager released a statement following his death and said: "Tamayo Perry was a lifeguard loved by all, well-known on the North Shore, a professional surfer known worldwide around the world."

He added: "Tamayo’s personality was infectious, and as much as people loved him, he loved everyone else more. Our condolences go out to Tamayo’s family and to the entire lifeguard ohana. We’re asking for some privacy for his family at this time."

Mayor Rick Blangiardi urged fans to respect the family's wishes for privacy. He said the death was a "tragic loss" and added: "Tamayo was a legendary waterman and highly respected [...] a great member of our Ocean Safety team; it’s just really hard to imagine, so we just want to pay our respects to our guys."

"I hope everyone wishes the family the best honors and respects the situation." Tamayo's friend Jason Bitzer also shared a tribute on Facebook.

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He wrote: "The things we have seen! My brother in Christ I love you brah! Tamayo, I won’t get over this until I see you in heaven. Tamayo Perry you weren’t my friend you were my brother, the pain we're collectively feeling is immense."

Tamayo had been surfing for more than 15 years and taught others through Oahu Surfing Experience with his wife, Emilia Perry. He previously spoke about a near death experience he was involved in while surfing.

"A number of years ago while surfing Pipeline on the Extra Large size, I was involved in a freak accident that turned into a near-fatal experience. The incident happened all because of someone elses lack of awareness. The lessons I’ve taken from that event have inspired me to my goal of instilling proper surf etiquette and safety into those whom I teach," he wrote in his bio.

As well as Pirates of the Caribbean, Tamayo appeared in Lost, Hawaii Five-0 and Blue Crush. He also worked on a number of ad campaigns for companies including Coca-Cola and Nissan Xterra.