Mammoth effort underway to remove whale carcass from Perth beach
Crowds have been cleared and heavy machinery moved in as authorities begin removing a 13-metre long whale carcass that washed up at City Beach on Monday.
Large machinery has been positioned on City Beach in Perth as an extensive operation commences to remove a 13-metre humpback whale carcass. The beach has been entirely shut down, and visitors have been cautioned to avoid the area while workers lift the 31-tonne carcass and transport it to a landfill site for burial. Town of Cambridge employees are stationed at every access point to the beach, warning that anyone entering the sand or flying a drone above the workers will face a $250 fine.
The whale washed ashore early Monday morning, and numerous sharks have been observed near the shore, including a 5-metre white shark. Town of Cambridge Mayor Gary Mack emphasized that rangers and park staff are present to assist with the operation, which is expected to cost ratepayers between $60,000 and $100,000. The beach is anticipated to stay closed for an extended period after the whale is removed to ensure no whale remnants remain.
The dead humpback whale has gained global attention, attracting hundreds of Perth families who have visited the carcass over the past two days. While most visitors have been respectful, Mack expressed concern about individuals, such as one seen on social media jumping on the whale's belly, warning that it is unwise and potentially dangerous due to the presence of sharks in the water.
He stressed that the whale's structural integrity is unknown and that interacting with the deceased animal is disrespectful.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
