Shortfin mako shark found washed up at Coffin Bay

An endangered shark, known for being the fastest species in the world, has been found washed up dead at a South Australian beach.

An endangered shark has washed up dead on the shores of Coffin Bay.

Amy Halloran, who has been travelling around Australia with husband John and sons Jimmy, Angus and Skipper, noticed the shortfin mako shark at the quiet beach at around 6.30pm on Monday.

“The fact we were playing on and fishing at Almonta Beach the day before and then to find a shark washed up was a pretty cool encounter,” Ms Halloran said.

Amy Halloran found this Shortfin Mako Shark washed up in Coffin Bay. Picture: Amy Halloran

“We had a pretty big admiration for the shark when it was in the water and then it was in front of us just hours later … we’ll never get that up close and personal again.”

She said the shark appeared to have a puncture wound.

“It was sad to see it washed up, but hopefully it washed up on circumstances that were not sad and just natural causes,” she said.

The shortfin mako shark, also known as a blue pointer or bonito shark, is a highly migratory species found in South Australian shelf and oceanic waters, according to the Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) department’s website. The shark is known for its very high swimming speeds.

A PIRSA spokesman said the shark would be left at the shore and not removed, given its remote location.

“No further action or investigation is planned in connection with the shark at this time,” she said.

It comes as Surf Life Saving SA announced a 13 per cent increase in shark sightings at South Australian beaches.

There have been 155 sightings since October last year, up from 137 at the same time last year.