Whale carcass at City Beach attracts sharks, triggers warnings and closures

Consensus Summary

A whale carcass washed up at Perth’s City Beach early Monday morning, drawing a crowd of onlookers and triggering shark warnings that led to the closure of the popular swimming spot. Authorities confirmed the carcass, described as smelly and approximately 6 metres long, had attracted multiple sharks, including two great whites measuring 5 metres and 4 metres, spotted just 10 metres offshore. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) issued a warning that the carcass could continue to lure sharks closer to shore, advising people to exercise caution and avoid the area. The incident occurred around 7.30am, with surf lifesavers sounding the alarm shortly after discovering the carcass.

The situation follows a recent spike in shark activity along Western Australia’s coast, including a fatal attack 10 days earlier at Sorrento Beach, about 12km or 15 kilometres north of City Beach. The victim, a 63-year-old man identified by the ABC as Greg O’Neill, was swimming near the shore when attacked by a great white shark. The attack prompted a catch-and-kill order, which was later discontinued, according to the ABC. The Guardian and 7NEWS also reported the fatal attack, framing it as a contributing factor to heightened public anxiety about swimming in the area. The recent shark sightings and the whale carcass have amplified concerns, with some locals expressing reluctance to enter the water for months.

Key figures involved in the response include DPIRD officials, who emphasized the risks posed by the carcass, and Cambridge Mayor Gary Mack, who stated that safety is paramount and urged the public to avoid the beach entirely. Mack mentioned that the town is working on a plan to remove the carcass, likely by trucking it to a landfill or towing it out to sea, with decisions expected by Tuesday. The ABC also noted that the Town of Cambridge had been contacted for comment but had not yet provided a formal statement. Meanwhile, onlookers at City Beach shared mixed reactions, with some taking selfies while others held their noses due to the strong odor, as reported by the Guardian.

While the three outlets largely agree on the core details—such as the timing of the whale’s arrival, the shark sightings, and the fatal attack—they differ in some specifics. The ABC provides additional details about shark sizes, including a 3.5-metre and a 2.5-metre shark, while 7NEWS highlights a secondary shark attack involving a 56-year-old surfer at Glenfield Beach, 420km north of Perth. The Guardian focuses more on the public’s reaction, describing the crowd’s behavior and the whale’s appearance as wedged on a sandbar. Additionally, there is a discrepancy in the distance between Sorrento Beach and City Beach, with the ABC stating 15 kilometres and the Guardian and 7NEWS reporting 12km.

As of Monday, the situation remains unresolved, with authorities monitoring the carcass and sharks in the area. The beach closure is expected to continue until the carcass is removed, and the public has been advised to avoid the area for safety reasons. The Guardian and 7NEWS both suggest that the removal process may face challenges due to the whale’s size and its position on the sandbar. While the exact timeline for reopening the beach is unclear, officials have indicated that a plan will be implemented as soon as possible to restore public access.