Shark warning issued for Pelican Point near Coral Bay as whale carcass floats close to shore

A shark warning has been issued off the Gascoyne coast with a whale carcass floating near Coral Bay.

The carcass was reported floating at Pelican Point in the Shire of Carnarvon at 10.07am on Wednesday.

Parks and Wildlife Service officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions said it was possible the carcass would attract sharks close to shore.

Beaches and waters within a radius of about 300m of Pelican Point have been closed off.

Swimmers, surfers and other water users are urged to be extra vigilant in the areas nearby.

Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, along with staff from other agencies, are monitoring the situation.

What to do:

• Take additional caution in the Pelican Point 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.