The whale carcass was towed from the Royal National Park on Friday. Photo: Darren Malone.
Shark activity is set to spike along the northern Illawarra coastline this weekend after a decomposing whale carcass was towed to Bellambi, with the water at a number of beaches already evacuated due to sightings.
Seven sharks were spotted by a drone in just 45 minutes between Woonona and East Corrimal on Friday afternoon (1 May) after the 20-tonne carcass of a sperm whale, which had been rotting on a rock platform at Era Beach in the Royal National Park, was towed to the Bellambi boat ramp for removal.
Sightings of large bull and tiger sharks have already been confirmed by Surf Life Saving air monitoring, and people have been evacuated from the water at several northern Illawarra beaches, with many more sharks potentially still in the area undetected.
“There’s a high risk of shark activity over the next few days,” Surf Life Saving Illawarra spokesperson Anthony Turner said.
“At the Royal National Park around Era, we’ve seen previously over the three days, large white pointers and tiger sharks circling the area. They have most likely followed the whale down to Bellambi.”
The Surf Life Saving rescue helicopter was also deployed on Friday afternoon to assist with surveillance, so alerts and alarms could be issued as quickly as needed.
Authorities are urging people to stay out of the water between Stanwell Park and Bellambi over the weekend, with board riding and Surf Life Saving events and training postponed or cancelled until the danger subsides.
“There are no patrols now along our coastline, so there are no lifesavers or lifeguards,” Anthony said.
“We know they’re sharks out there and will be out there, and for your safety, just remain out of the water in those areas.”
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service confirmed the 8-metre carcass was towed more than 20 kilometres south due to the lack of vehicle access at its initial location.
After being removed at Bellambi, it was transferred by road to the Whytes Gully waste facility.
“The operation to remove the carcass was of leviathan proportions,” NPWS Area Manager Brendon Neilly said.
“The location, size and distances made it one of the most challenging operations of its kind.”
Despite patrols ending last week, Surf Life Saving NSW will continue to monitor the situation and utilise drones and signage where needed.
North Wollongong Beach will remain open and patrolled.
The community can monitor shark activity in the region and learn more about shark safety through the Shark Smart App.
