An urgent warning has been issued after sharks were seen circling off popular tourist beaches in Sydney, Australia, following the discovery of a massive whale carcass. The remains washed ashore in Era, located within Sydney’s Royal National Park, leading to heightened shark activity in the area.
Beach Closures and Aerial Surveillance
Authorities have closed several beaches between Garie and Burning Palms, including Wattamolla and Era, due to the risk of shark attacks. Drones have been deployed to monitor the waters for predators, and swimmers have been strongly advised to stay out of the ocean. The heavily decomposed whale carcass was first spotted by lifeguards on a rocky ledge early Saturday morning, prompting immediate action.
Official Statements and Warnings
A statement from New South Wales National Parks read: “This has resulted in heightened shark activity along the coastline, with large sharks sighted in the area.” Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Stephen Pearce warned the public: “Our warning is, ‘Don’t go in the water’. We can’t prevent people from going in the water, but knowing just how many sharks are there and the reports of larger white and bull sharks in the water, they’re not the fish you want to be swimming in the same water with.”
Mr. Pearce added that Surf Life Saving will collaborate with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to keep the beaches closed. “National Parks will have to make arrangements to try and come in and determine what they’re going to do with the carcass. I think they’re obviously going to have to remove it,” he said.
Increased Risk During Bank Holiday
The alert has been emphasized ahead of an Australian bank holiday weekend, which was expected to draw more visitors to the coastline. The incident follows a series of shark attacks in Australia, including a fatal attack in January that killed a 12-year-old boy. In February, a helicopter crew rescued divers from a great white shark off Cape Naturaliste, Western Australia. The 14-foot shark was seen circling the oblivious divers, who were alerted by a loud siren from the helicopter and fled on jet skis.
