Sharks snacking on whale carcass prompts urgent warning

Swimmers have been warned to steer clear of a number of popular beaches, as video of a shark feeding frenzy emerges.

Incredible footage has emerged of a shark feeding frenzy in waters off a popular stretch of South Australian coastline, prompting an urgent warning to swimmers.

Authorities have told visitors to avoid entering the water at swimming sites in Lincoln National Park, as sharks feast on a whale carcass less than a kilometre from shore.

The South Australian Department of Environment and Water said the sharks were being closely watched as they followed and ate the floating carcass.

“A decomposing whale carcass is currently floating in waters off Lincoln National Park on Eyre Peninsula, about 800m south of September Beach,” a department spokesman said.

A shark enjoys a tasty afternoon snack about 800m out from shore at September Beach in Lincoln National Park. Picture: Supplied

“For public safety reasons, it is recommended that visitors to Lincoln National Park avoid entering the water at swimming sites in the area, including, but not limited to, Carcase Rock, September Beach, Donington Beach, Fisherman Point, Surfleet Cove and McLaren Point.

“National Parks and Wildlife Service rangers have installed some temporary signage and are monitoring the movement of the whale with PIRSA Fisheries and SA Police.”

Campers who had booked into nearby sites would be alerted to the presence of the sharks, the department said.

The Eyre Peninsula has regularly been home to major shark feeding sessions, with a drone pilot accidentally capturing footage of dozens of sharks dining out on a school of salmon at Sleaford Bay near Port Lincoln in March this year.

The pilot, who was practising her drone flying for a wedding, sounded the alarm with local authorities to prevent swimmers from unwittingly entering water near the frenzy.