Urgent shark warning for a string of popular beaches as washed up whale lures predators close to shore
An urgent warning was issued to beach goers after a whale carcass that washed up on shore led to increased shark activity over the public holiday weekend.
The whale carcass washed up on Casuarina Beach in northern New South Wales on Monday afternoon, prompting a warning to stay out of the water.
The sharks came closer to shore to feed on the dead whale's body, forcing beaches to close.
The whale carcass washed up on Casuarina Beach in northern New South Wales on Monday afternoon, prompting a warning to stay out of the water
The sharks came closer to shore to feed on the dead whale's body, forcing beaches to close
The closed beaches include Salt, Casuarina, Cabarita, Hastings, North Pottsville and South Pottsville.
Chris Smyth from Surf Lifesaving NSW said lifeguards are on roving patrols on jet skis but are no longer able to find the whale carcass.
Lifeguards believe it has washed back out to sea.
'They are putting up signs on the beach and doing a lot of work to inform the public of what has happened,' Mr Smyth said.
'People are welcome to come to the beaches - but they must not go into the water.'
A spokesman from Tweed Shire Council told Daily Mail Australia the carcass had floated back out to sea.
'Council is continuing to monitor the situation, and working alongside the Department of Primary Industries,' the spokesman said.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Department of Primary Industries for comment.
Chris Smyth from Surf Lifesaving NSW said lifeguards are on roving patrols on jet skis but are no longer able to find the whale carcass
