News & Alerts

Situation:

• A shark bite incident was reported this morning at Cobblestone Surfing Spot.
• Surf Life Saving WA Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter reported a 4m unknown species of shark at Lefthanders Beach later confirmed as a white shark sighting.
• A whale carcass was confirmed this morning on the beach at Lefthanders.
• The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions has issued a Regulation 44 closure of beaches and waters between North Point and Ellensbrook and out to sea two kilometres from the shoreline. 

What to do:

• Adhere to beach closures advised by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Local Government Rangers or Surf Life Saving WA.
• Take additional caution in waters between Kilcarnup and North Point, in the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River
• Keep informed of the latest detection and sighting information by checking the SharkSmart website or Surf Life Saving WA’s Twitter feed.
• If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600. All shark sighting information reported to Water Police is provided to response agencies and to the public on the SharkSmart website and Surf Life Saving WA Twitter feed. 

What authorities are doing: 
Two Fisheries vessels have been monitoring the area this morning and one vessel will remain on the water this afternoon and again tomorrow to continue monitoring the area. The Surf Life Saving WA Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter will also conduct aerial patrols.

Officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions are attending the area and will assess for the removal of the whale carcass.

Officers from the Shire of Augusta - Margaret River are also attending the area.

Fisheries scientists from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will inspect the surfboard that was being used by the injured surfer.

Extra information: 
Keep informed of the latest detection and sighting information by checking the Shark Activity Map on the SharkSmart website – www.sharksmart.com.au/shark-activity or the Surf Life Saving WA Twitter – twitter.com/SLSWA.

Check www.sharksmart.com.au/news for current alerts and warnings.