Perth's City Beach has been closed for several kilometres after a six-metre whale carcass washed ashore, attracting multiple sharks to the area. Surf lifesavers discovered the dead animal at approximately 7:30 am on Monday, prompting local authorities to raise the alarm.
Among the sharks spotted near the carcass was a five-metre great white. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has issued a warning, stating that the carcass could continue to draw sharks close to the coastline and advising people to exercise additional caution.
Hundreds of onlookers gathered to view the whale, with some taking selfies despite the strong odour. Town of Cambridge mayor, Gary Mack, urged the public to heed the warnings, stating, "This is not a time for taking risks."
Authorities are currently assessing the carcass, with plans likely to remove it from the beach on Tuesday by truck to a landfill site. Towing it out to sea is another option, but Mayor Mack noted this might be difficult due to surf conditions and the carcass being wedged on a sandbar.