News & Alerts

Update on 17 October at 1:50 pm

Officers from the Shire of Capel have now removed the whale carcass from Forrest Beach.

Forrest Beach will remain closed for 24hrs.

Additional caution is recommended by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, as any residue from where the whale carcass was beached may still attract sharks to the area. 

Switch on your Sea Sense and stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow @SLSWA on X (formerly Twitter). 

If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600.

Alert issued on 17 October 2024

Alert level:

A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a whale carcass being reported at Forrest Beach in the Shire of Capel.

Situation:

• The whale carcass was reported by a member of the public at 5:28 am. 
• It is possible the decomposing carcass will continue to act as an attractant that could lead to sharks coming in close to shore along this stretch of coast.
• Although sharks may be present along the Western Australian coast throughout the year, people should exercise additional caution. 

What to do:

• Take additional caution in the Forrest Beach area.
• Adhere to beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers, Parks and Wildlife Service officers or Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA).
• Use your Sea Sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app or follow @SLSWA on X (formerly Twitter).
• If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600. All shark sighting information reported to Water Police is provided to land managers and relevant authorities and to the public on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app and @SLSWA on X.

What authorities are doing: 

Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), along with staff from other agencies are monitoring the situation and providing advice to relevant authorities.

Extra information: 

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