Perth beach closed after whale carcass washed up

Perth's city beach was closed on Monday. Multiple shark warnings have been issued after a whale carcass washed up at a popular swimming spot.

The sharks felt a chance for a hearty meal

Local rescuers found the carcass this morning and sounded the alarm. Sharks quickly began circling nearby.

"It is possible that the carcass will continue to act as an attractant, which may result in sharks coming close to shore on this stretch of coast," warned the Department of Agriculture and Regional Development (DPIRD), quoted by abc.net.au.

Aerial photos showed several sharks in the water, at least one of which was clearly visible from shore. Two great white sharks - one 5 meters long, the other 4 meters long - were seen 10 meters from the shore just an hour after the carcass was spotted.

No swimming, no walking dogs

Town of Cambridge Mayor Gary Mack said the beach would not reopen until the carcass was removed. People should not swim in this area at all or walk their dogs because there are identified great white sharks there, he said.

DPIRD recommends that you exercise increased caution and follow all warnings and prohibitions.

Despite warnings about the threat, the carcass attracted a large group of onlookers to the beach in the morning. One beachgoer, quoted by abc.net.au, said it was unusual for a whale carcass to be washed ashore in this way. "You can see that the sharks have already gotten to her," he said. His eight-year-old son said the carcass "smelled terribly."

The shark warnings came just 10 days after a fatal shark attack on Sorrento Beach, about 15 kilometers (9 miles) further north.