Shark warning for Rottnest Island after whale carcass spotted near Bathurst

Rottnest beachgoers are being warned a dead whale could attract sharks to one of the island’s most popular beaches.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has issued an advice warning after the carcass was spotted about about 3.28pm on Monday.

The carcass was seen by a member of the public about 1km north of Bathurst Point.

Beachgoers on both Rottnest Island and the Perth coast are being encouraged to be cautious.

“It is possible the decomposing carcass will act as an attractant that could lead to sharks coming close to shore along this stretch of coast,” the Department said.

Officers have tagged the carcass with a tracking device and will monitor its movements.

It comes just nine days after WA’s latest fatal shark attack.

Father-of-two Paul Millachip was attacked by a 4.5 metre shark off Port Beach on November 6 while swimming about 50 metres offshore.

Mr Millachip, whose body has not been found, was last seen being “dragged under” the waves about 10am.

Four teenage boys in an aluminium dinghy were just metres from Mr Millachip when they witnessed the horrific attack.

The quick-thinking boys called Triple-0 before racing back to shore to warn other swimmers of the danger that lurked beneath the surface.

The search for Mr Millachip’s body was suspended the day after the attack, with authorities conceding there was no hope he had survived.

Only his goggles have been recovered.

In the five days that followed, Port Beach was closed twice due to shark sightings.

Anyone who sees a shark is asked to report it to Water Police on 9442 8600.