A dead whale that washed ashore at City Beach in Perth, Western Australia, prompted officials to close several kilometres of the popular shoreline on Monday morning. The carcass, described as large and emitting a strong odour, attracted a crowd of onlookers and prompted the sighting of multiple sharks in the surrounding waters.
Surf lifesavers discovered the whale at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Monday and immediately raised the alarm. In response, local authorities ordered the beach to be shut to the public while they assessed the situation and arranged for the removal of the animal.
Hundreds of people gathered at the site, with some taking selfies beside the massive carcass while others covered their noses to avoid the stench. The unusual scene turned the normally busy beach into a makeshift viewing area for curious residents and tourists.
Witnesses reported seeing several sharks swimming close to the whale, a development that added a further element of concern for beachgoers and emergency services. The presence of the predators was noted by both on‑site officials and members of the public.
Authorities said they are monitoring the area and will coordinate the safe disposal of the whale. They have advised the public to avoid the closed sections of the beach until the cleanup is completed and the waters are deemed safe.
<small>Source: The Guardian — read the original story there.</small>
