Young sperm whale found dead at Corny Point on the Yorke Peninsula

A mission is underway to remove a 6-7m juvenile whale carcass washed up on a reef on the Yorke Peninsula. Locals are advised to stay a safe distance away.

A young sperm whale has been found dead on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula.

National Parks and Wildlife Service rangers are investigating the death of the whale, which became stranded at Corny Point.

The six-to-seven-metre juvenile sperm whale was observed moving onto a submerged reef, before coming to rest at about 12.10pm on Tuesday.

The young sperm whale carcass is six to seven metres long. Picture: 7NEWS

HAPPENING NOW: A mission is underway to remove a young sperm whale carcass washed up on a reef on the Yorke Peninsula. Authorities are urging the public to stay away from the carcass off Corny Point. The latest in 7NEWS Adelaide at 4pm and 6pm | https://t.co/8ftPfFYTVQ#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/al7lpAABVm

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) December 15, 2022

National Parks and Wildlife Service Conservation and Wildlife Director Lisien Loan said the whale was observed alive last weekend in nearby Hardwicke Bay but looked to be in poor health.

“NPWS rangers are working with other agencies to carefully consider the safest and most appropriate method of removing the whale carcass.

Whale carcasses will naturally break down over time but this can be a slow process that takes several months,” Ms Loan said.

There are also concerns sharks will be attracted to the carcass of the whale, which could potentially create an increased risk for people in the water in the area.

Members of the public are advised to stay a safe distance away from the carcass as marine animals can carry various zoonotic diseases that are transmissible to humans.