By April Glover
A shark warning has been issued for a popular WA beach after a huge whale carcass washed up overnight.
The decomposing whale carcass attracted a shark at West Beach in Esperance today after first being spotted about six kilometres off the coast at Firsties Beach at 7.02pm on Saturday.
Locals saw a shark circling the dead whale and the beach was closed to visitors soon after.
Resident Cale Walker captured drone footage of a curious shark swimming around the carcass just off West Beach yesterday afternoon.
Other sharks were also seen eating the carcass as it slowly made its way to land.
Shark Smart issued a warning to swimmers noting that decomposing animals often attract a feeding frenzy for sharks.
“Although sharks may be present along the Western Australian coast throughout the year, people should exercise additional caution,” Shark Smart said in an alert.
Local Jessica Sewell captured photos of a shark still by the shore after the whale had washed up.Credit: Jessica Sewell
Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) said staff were monitoring the situation.
The beach remained closed to visitors until the carcass could be safely removed.
Jessica Sewell captured photographs of a shark near the shore after the whale had washed up on the beach.
Cale Walker captured drone footage of a shark circling the carcass.Credit: Cale Walker
She said the whale had washed ashore by this afternoon.
“The Shire of Esperance has closed the beach for the safety of water users. Once the whale carcass has been removed the beach will be reopened. At this stage it is unknown when this will be,” Shark Smart said in an alert.
Nine News Perth