Wollongong beaches closed over shark risk after dead whale washes ashore
North Wollongong Beach in New South Wales' south has been closed after a dead whale washed ashore, posing a major shark risk to swimmers.
Wollongong City Council was forced to make the move after the grisly discovery this morning, with the beach set to remain closed for 24 hours.
It's understood the carcass that washed into the area was a juvenile.
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North Wollongong Beach has been closed after a dead whale washed ashore, posing a major shark risk to swimmers. Surf Life Saving Illawarra
"A deceased whale is currently drifting off Flag Staff Hill Wollongong," Surf Life Saving Illawarra said on social media.
"As a precaution North Beach and Wollongong City Beach will be closed for 24 hours for activities such as swimming and surfing.
"Please keep a safe distance from the deceased whale while authorities plan to remove the whale."
The council said that the plan "was to tow the whale to a location" which would allow it to be "removed from the water and buried".
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It's understood the carcass that washed into the area was a juvenile. Surf Life Saving Illawarra
"As a whale carcass can result in increased shark activity closer to shore, Wollongong City Council has closed North Wollongong Beach for swimming as a precaution," a Wollongong City Council spokesperson told 9news.com.au.
"It is our only patrolled beach open during the winter months.
"In addition, we are placing warning signage at neighbouring beaches."
An investigation will commence into the whale's death.
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