September 28, 2026 — 11:02am
Save
You have reached your maximum number of saved items.
Remove items from your saved list to add more.
AAA
Surf lifesavers say they have spotted three great white sharks circling just metres off a Perth beach after a whale carcass washed on shore on Monday.
The carcass was reported by Surf Life Saving WA about 7.30am and the organisation’s helicopter reported a number of sharks had begun hanging around the coastline near Swanbourne, just south of City Beach, around 10.30am.
A whale carcass has washed up on the shores of City Beach.Jamie Freestone
Footage posted to social media when the whale was still out at sea shows at least one shark taking bites from the carcass.
The Surf Life Saving helicopter reported seeing three four-metre long great white sharks circling about 15 metres from the shore, about 2.45pm. A small hammerhead was also spotted heading south from Trigg Beach, towards the carcass, and two tiger sharks were reported further south at Cottesloe Beach.
City Beach has closed as a precaution, while authorities manage the carcass.
The whale carcass is several metres long and Town of Cambridge mayor Gary Mack said they were seeking advice from experts as to its condition before a decision is made on what to do with its body.
He said the city had moved to close the beach one kilometre north and south of the beach because of the shark risk, and urged beachgoers to adhere to the closure.
Related Article
“The most important thing is despite the beach being closed, some people are still tempted to swim and let their dogs swim, but they shouldn’t because there have been a couple of white sharks out there,” he said.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development said the carcass may act as an attractant that could lead sharks close to the stretch of coast.
“Although sharks may be present along the Western Australian coast throughout the year, people should exercise additional caution,” it said.
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions staff were attending the scene on Monday afternoon.
Save
You have reached your maximum number of saved items.
Remove items from your saved list to add more.
Hamish Hastie is WAtoday’s state political reporter and the winner of five WA Media Awards, including the 2023 Beck Prize for best political journalism.Connect via X or email.From our partners