Perth beaches reopened days after being deemed too unsafe due to whale carcass attracting shark frenzy

The Perth beach that drew mammoth crowds to see a washed up decomposing whale and the shark frenzy it attracted has today been reopened.

The 13-metre, 31 tonne humpback whale, which hundreds of locals travelled from all over Perth to see, was removed last Thursday after washing up at South City Beach on Monday.

Despite its removal, dangerous levels of bacteria remained at Town of Cambridge beaches when the water was tested which made them too unsafe for swimmers.

But the council has announced that all its beaches, including City Beach and Floreat Beach, had been deemed safe and would now be reopened on Wednesday.

Dangerous levels of E. coli were detected in initial tests, but samples taken on Monday showed levels that were within acceptable limits.

“The whale carcass has been removed and the affected beach area cleaned and remediated. Based on the latest laboratory results and advice from the Department of Health, recreational water activities can now safely resume,” a council spokesperson said.

“Beachgoers should continue to remain mindful of the SharkSmart advice and follow all beach signs and directions from Rangers and lifeguards.”

Swimmers were quick to get back in the water Wednesday with multiple people seen having a morning dip.

Town of Cottesloe beaches were reopened on Saturday, however the council called off the installation of its shark barrier net which was planned for Wednesday.

Swanbourne beach, in the Town of Nedlands, has yet to be officially reopened, with the council’s latest communication on Friday stating the beach “remains closed until further notice”.

Sharks continue to be spotted up the coastline, most recently a 1.5 metre unknown species spotted by the Surf Life Saving Westpac Helicopter at 9.30am on Tuesday at the Cove Surf Break off Cottesloe.