Beaches evacuated as sharks swarm towards 25-tonne whale carcass
A 25-tonne sperm whale carcass found at Era Beach in Sydney's Royal National Park was towed to Bellambi Boat Ramp near Wollongong and removed using heavy machinery. The operation prompted the evacuation of several beaches due to multiple shark sightings in the area. Authorities advised the public to avoid the water for up to 72 hours and are considering future improvements to carcass disposal methods.
- ▪The sperm whale carcass was discovered on rocks at Era Beach in the Royal National Park on Sunday.
- ▪The carcass was towed 30 kilometres south to Bellambi Boat Ramp and lifted from the water using an excavator.
- ▪Surf Life Saving NSW reported seven shark sightings within one hour, leading to beach evacuations at Woonona and East Corrimal.
- ▪The whale was removed in coordination with Indigenous groups, allowing for cultural ceremonies before disposal.
- ▪The carcass is expected to be taken to Wollongong City Council's landfill site.
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Beaches closed near Wollongong as whale carcass removed at BellambiABC IllawarraTopic:Animals13m ago13 minutes agoFri 1 May 2026 at 6:50amThe carcass was removed using heavy machinery at Bellambi Boat Ramp this afternoon. (ABC Illawarra: Jennifer Courtney)In short:A dead sperm whale found at Era Beach has been towed to a beach north of Wollongong and removed from the water.Multiple shark sightings have prompted to the closure of several beaches, Surf Life Saving NSW says.The whale was hauled out of the water with an excavator and is likely to be put in landfill.abc.net.au/news/royal-national-park-whale-carcass-removed-bellambi-boat-ramp/106631260Link copiedShareShare articleBeaches have been evacuated in Wollongong following the removal of a 25-tonne whale carcass from the ocean and shark…
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