Shark frenzy at Ocean Grove, Thirteenth Beach after massive whale carcass washes ashore

A fresh warning has been issued at Thirteenth Beach following reports sharks are still moving in close to shore due to the lingering remains of a dead whale carcass.

A fresh warning has been issued at Thirteenth Beach following reports sharks are still moving in closer to shore than normal due to the lingering remains of a dead whale carcass.

Beachgoers and surfers are being told to avoid the area with increased shark activity still present at the popular Barwon Heads spot, near Barwon Bluff.

The advice was issued on Thursday afternoon at 2pm and replaces a warning issued last Thursday, which closed beaches between Ocean Grove and Thirteenth Beach.

EARLIER: Beach-goers were in for a shock last week when a massive dead sei whale washed ashore at the popular Victorian beach.

The decomposing 14-metre-long carcass attracted a swarm of onlookers on Friday, August 13 — but authorities have warned people to stay away from the area for their own safety.

The huge marine mammal has caused a spike in shark activity, prompting the closure of beaches between Ocean Grove and Thirteenth Beach.

The carcass is decomposing in the shallows at Thirteenth Beach. Picture: Steve Arklay

Keen beachgoers and swimmers have been urged to avoid the area. Picture: Steve Arklay

Beaches have been closed from Ocean Grove to Barwon Heads. Picture: Theo McCoy

“A whale carcass can attract sharks to the area and mean they are closer to the shore than normal,” Vic Emergency posted to its website on Thursday night.

“While it is not uncommon for sharks to be present off the Victorian coast, you should exercise additional caution in the area.”

Despite gentle westerly winds and 3ft peelers, local surfers are being urged to choose another spot to take to the waves this weekend while the whale carcass remains ashore.

Authorities are urging people to stay away beaches nearby the carcass due to increased shark activity. Picture: Vic Emergency

Swimmers and surfers have been urged to choose another beach. Picture: Steve Arklay

A Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action spokesman said authorities were responding to the carcass just west of The Bluff at Thirteenth Beach.

“Signage is installed and the community is asked to keep their distance for safety,” the spokesman said.

The spokesman said access was currently restricted to The Bluff area, with updates available via the Vic Emergency website and app.

The sei whale measures in at a massive 14-metres. Picture: Steve Arklay

Wildlife officers and park rangers are managing the whale carcass.

Whales are protected under the Wildlife Act, regardless of whether they are alive or dead.

It is and offence for people or their dogs to be within 300 metres of a whale, or to interfere with, take or be in possession of parts of a dead whale.

A Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) spokesman said the carcass is believed to be of a sei whale, approximately 12 metres long.

“The VFA has issued an advice message to alert beachgoers to the potential for increased shark activity around 13th Beach and the surrounding area,” he said.

The Victorian Fisheries Authority’s Queenscliff station will continue to monitor shark sightings in the area.

If you see sharks, report the sighting by calling triple-0 or notify lifesavers immediately if you are at a patrolled beach.

Originally published as Shark frenzy at Ocean Grove, Thirteenth Beach after massive whale carcass washes ashore