Shellharbour council warns swimmers after dead whale calf washes up
A dead humpback whale calf washed up in Shellharbour; authorities warn swimmers of potential shark activity.
A dead humpback whale calf washed up in Shellharbour's Shell Cove marina on November 10. The juvenile whale was about four to five metres long.
The whale had no visible injuries but was floating head down and could pose a hazard to boats. Shellharbour City Council advised the community to avoid entering the surrounding waters.
The warning cited potential increased shark activity in the area. Authorities confirmed the animal was a juvenile, not a newborn, by its colouration.
An operation is underway to tow the whale out to sea. It will decompose naturally.
Humpback whales migrate south along Australia's east coast at this time of year, heading back towards the Southern Ocean.
- 4 to 5 metres
- Whale size
- November 10
- Date found
- Shell Cove marina, Shellharbour
- Location
- Humpback whale juvenile
- Type
Why it mattersSwimmers and boaters should avoid Shellharbour waters due to potential increased shark activity.
AustraliaResidents and visitors to Shellharbour, NSW, must avoid swimming and boating in the marina area until the whale is recovered and shark activity subsides.
