Phillip Island dead whale: Parts of animal stolen from Forrest Caves beach

The horrendous smell from a rotting whale in Phillip Island hasn’t deterred thieves from robbing the carcass. This comes as locals report “invisible blubber” on the sand.

Dead whale at Forrest Caves in Phillip Island on March 8. Picture: Annalisa Bianchi Zappala

A jaw bone from a dead whale carcass that washed on a Phillip Island beach has been stolen in a sickening and illegal act.

The revolting theft comes as the decomposing mammal continues to cause a massive stink among locals who say an “unbearable” smell is lingering far and wide.

But authorities will not be removing the 16m sperm whale that washed up on Forrest Caves beach on March 6.

A Department of Environment, Land, Water, and Planning spokeswoman confirmed a jaw bone went missing overnight.

“The incident will be investigated further under the Wildlife Act, as it is an offence for members of the public to interfere, take or be in possession of parts of a dead whale,” she said.

“Constant surveillance will continue at the site as the whale continues to decompose.”

Dead whale at Forrest Caves in Phillip Island. Picture: Annalisa Bianchi Zappala

But Phillip Island resident Eve Kelly said she lived more than 5km away and the stench was “nasty”.

“The smell is quite unique like nothing I have smelled before,” she said.

“It’s very concerning for residents who live nearby.”

Authorities said they won’t remove the mammal as its location is “too difficult” for machinery and vehicles to access.

Pam Maag said she visited Forrest Caves on Wednesday but stayed “a long way off”.

“The smell was horrendous,” she said.

“I stood on some invisible blubber and had to bin my shoes.”

Amber Holland said the smell “makes one want to gag and throw up”.

“Once the skin rots down and the internals of the whale are exposed, things could get pretty dire,” she said.

“I suggest some action is taken soon … something needs to happen.”

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning incident controller Matt Green said removing or burying the whale would significantly impact the environmental and cultural values in the area.

Blood from the dead whale can be seen in the water at Forrest Caves. Picture: Annalisa Bianchi Zappala

“Allowing the carcass to break down naturally is also the simplest and most environmentally friendly method,” he said.

“As there are no obvious signs of injury which may have resulted in this whale’s death, no further investigation will be undertaken by DELWP.”

This is not the first time a whale has washed ashore in Phillip Island.

In the 1970s, a 13m humpback whale was discovered at Surf Beach.

It was too difficult for machinery to access so the Phillip Island Shire decided to haul it up the cliff and bury it.

An exclusion zone has been set up for the Sperm Whale carcass at Forrest Caves and people have been urged to avoid the area.

People and dogs are also not allowed to be within 300 metres of the whale.

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