Bull sharks have been observed swimming just metres from the shoreline at a popular Australian beach, where the carcass of a dolphin that appeared to have been "seriously attacked" washed ashore. Lifeguards promptly closed Bungan Beach in Sydney after a drone survey confirmed the presence of three aggressive ocean predators lurking dangerously close to the coast.
Dolphin Carcass Shows Signs of Shark Predation
The dolphin, measuring approximately 2.5 metres in length, is believed to have served as a meal for the sharks, with its decomposing body missing significant chunks of flesh. This grim discovery prompted immediate safety measures to protect beachgoers from potential danger.
Local Witness Describes Close Encounter
Long-time local resident Cameron Bloom had just entered the water for a quick swim around 11am when a lifeguard came running up the beach to warn him about the sharks lurking only 100 metres away. "It was a huge dolphin. It could have died from anything, but it was seriously attacked by quite a few sharks," Bloom recounted to 7NEWS.com.au.
He noted that one shark in particular seemed to linger in the area, coming remarkably close to the shore before disappearing and then returning. Bloom, a photographer, expressed that while it was exciting to witness such a scene, he was profoundly thankful that no one sustained injuries during the incident.
Beach Closure and Public Warnings
Authorities have decided to keep Bungan Beach closed until at least the end of the day as a precautionary measure. Surf Life Saving NSW issued a statement urging the public to exercise extreme caution around the water, emphasising the importance of vigilance in light of the recent shark activity.
Recent Shark Scare in Perth
This incident follows a separate shark scare that occurred in Perth's southern suburbs on Thursday morning. A 3-metre bull shark was spotted in knee-deep water just off Rossmoyne Foreshore around 8.40am, startling a nearby kayaker. Fortunately, the paddler emerged unharmed from the encounter, but the event underscores the ongoing presence of sharks in Australian coastal waters.
These back-to-back incidents highlight the need for continued public awareness and adherence to safety protocols when enjoying Australia's beautiful beaches. Lifeguards and wildlife experts remain on high alert to monitor shark movements and ensure community safety.
