Two popular Sydney beaches have been closed after the carcass of a baby whale was spotted in the surf.
“Maroubra and Coogee Beaches closed until further notice,” Randwick Council said online.
A baby whale carcass has been spotted floating off Lurline Bay in Sydney, triggering the closure of Coogee and Maroubra beaches. Randwick City Council/Facebook
“A baby whale carcass has been spotted this morning floating off Lurline Bay.
“As a precaution, Maroubra and Coogee Beaches will remain closed until further notice while lifeguards monitor the situation and work with local stakeholders and authorities to arrange the whale’s removal.”
Whale carcasses can potentially attract sharks drawn to feed, according to research from Southern Cross University, which could pose a danger to swimmers.
The species of the young whale is unknown.
The closure came a day after Randwick Council announced on social media that lifeguards would begin patrolling Coogee Beach from 6am to support early morning swimmers.
Swimmer and local Leah Stewart was mauled by a great white shark at Coogee Beach on June 13, leading to the loss of her arm and several other serious injuries.