Sorrento Beach closed after a whale carcass was spotted on Sunday morning, shark advice issued
Sorrento Beach in Perth has been closed following the discovery of a rotting whale carcass that poses a shark risk. This is the third such incident in recent weeks, heightening community fears following a fatal shark attack at the same location.
Why it matters
The recurring presence of whale carcasses near populated beaches highlights significant public safety and environmental management challenges for coastal communities.
Sorrento Beach has been closed following the discovery of a rotting whale carcass, marking the third time in weeks a dead marine giant has sparked a shark alert along Perth’s coast. The closure on Sunday morning came just weeks after swimmer Greg O’Neill was killed by a shark at the exact same beach, with fears in the community still heightened. Surf Life Saving WA reported the latest carcass at 7.10am, prompting the City of Joondalup to close the beach to the public. While authorities confirmed the remains had been removed by 10.40am, beaches in the Sorrento area remained shut to protect the community. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development warned that the carcass could act as an attractant and draw sharks into the shallows. Perth resident Andrew Ward captured part of the whale’s tail floating about 50m offshore in a video shot by his drone.
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