Shark alert issued for 40 Mile Beach near Karratha in Pilbara as whale carcass floats close to shore

A shark warning has been issued for the Pilbara coast with a whale carcass attracting predators to the area.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development put out the alert after the carcass was spotted floating close to shore at the popular 40 Mile Beach in the Karratha region.

The City of Karratha has closed the beach for the safety of water users.

It is hoped to get the carcass to shore and remove it before reopening the beach.

It urged swimmers, surfers and other water users to be vigilant as the carcass floated along the shoreline.

DPIRD officers and staff from other agencies are monitoring the situation.

What to do:

Take additional caution in the Kalbarri area.

Adhere to beach closures advised by rangers, Parks and Wildlife Service officers, and Surf Life Saving WA.

Use your sea sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app or Surf Life Saving WA’s X feed.

If you see a shark, call Water Police on 9442 8600.

Extra information:

Switch on your Sea Sense and stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website sharksmart.com.au/shark-activity, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow Surf Life Saving WA Twitter – twitter.com/SLSWA. Check sharksmart.com.au/news for updates to this alert and to view other warnings and media releases.