Dead whales wash ashore near Perth, triggering beach closures
Multiple whale carcasses washed up on Perth beaches, prompting councils to close beaches for about 24 hours due to shark risk.
A juvenile whale washed ashore at Dutch Inn Beach in South Cottesloe, triggering a closure for about 24 hours. A 31-tonne humpback had appeared on South City Beach last month, which drew sharks within just 10 metres of the shore.
A dead whale washed up on Sorrento Beach on Sunday, closing Joondalup beaches. Local swimmers expressed mixed feelings about heading back into the water as summer approaches.
Some felt comfortable returning once beaches reopened, while others said they would wait a few weeks before taking the plunge. One surfer noted the closures were sensible precautions, as a shark had breached a barrier the previous year.
- 31 tonnes
- Humpback whale weight
- 10 metres from shore
- Shark proximity
- About 24 hours
- Beach closure duration
Why it mattersThe beach closures and shark presence directly affect where people can safely swim and what precautions they need to take.
AustraliaPerth swimmers heading into summer need to stay alert to beach closures and shark warnings as whale season brings carcasses to shore.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
