Gracetown beaches remain closed following two shark attacks

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development fisheries officers have assisted Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions staff in work to remove a whale carcass from Lefthanders near Gracetown today. 

The whale carcass has been towed away from the surf zone by Patrol Vessel Geographe and will be taken to Gracetown Beach.

The whale will be removed from the water at the boat ramp and transported by truck. WA Police have secured the boat ramp.

As the carcass is attracting sharks, until its cleared from the bay, Fisheries officers are ensuring no swimmers are in the water.

DPIRD is also providing support to event organisers of the Margaret River Pro following two separate shark attacks at Cobblestones and Lefthanders surf breaks at Gracetown.

DBCA, shire rangers and DPIRD officers are monitoring the local beaches, with the first patrols commencing from 5.30am on Tuesday morning.

Vessels have also been patrolling the coast and a larger Fisheries Patrol Vessel is en route to the area. 

 A Regulation 44 closure notice remains in place for the Gracetown area between North Point and Ellenbrook.

This means beaches and waters up to two kilometres out to sea cannot be used by divers, surfers and swimmers. In addition, Fisheries has advised additional caution between Kilcarnup and North Point. 

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. 

The state government is providing additional support to the event organisers of the Margaret River Pro to reduce risks associated with the recent shark activity in the area.

DPIRD is assisting DBCA to remove the whale carcass from the beach at Lefthanders today.

The carcass was unable to be removed on Monday due to unfavourable weather conditions. Once the whale carcass has been removed, a further advice will be issued on the status of the beach closure.  

DBCA and DPIRD officers continue to patrol the area, and remind the public that beach closures must be followed for safety reasons, and surfers and swimmers should stay out of the water.  

A DPIRD fisheries vessel is currently on the water monitoring the area.

Another larger fisheries vessel will be in place from tomorrow to provide additional monitoring for surfers participating in the Margaret River Pro event. 

DPIRD is deploying officers to assist event organisers to coordinate vessel patrols and monitoring.