A Wollongong man has described his close encounter with a massive great white shark that was larger than his boat. The shark, estimated to be at least six metres long, was attracted to a sperm whale carcass decomposing on the rocks at Era Beach in the Royal National Park.
Mr Clark had planned to take his daughter surfing on Monday but instead took his boat to observe the area. Around 9am, a curious great white approached his vessel, bumping into the motor and shaking the entire boat. The shark circled back and struck the propeller with its nose.
According to Mr Clark, the shark returned several times, investigating the boat. He noted the shark's size by comparing it to a friend's 5.8-metre boat, which the shark matched. Mr Clark, an experienced fisher and diver, said it was the largest shark he had ever seen, describing it as 'slicing through the water with minimal effort'.
Earlier that day, the same shark reportedly approached another boat and placed its head on the transom step. Beaches including Era, Garie, Burning Palms, and Wattamolla have been closed while authorities plan to remove the whale carcass.
