Home

Sharks force swimmers out of ocean at Yallingup Beach

Troy de RuyterThe West Australian
Swimmers at Yallingup Beach after like the one inset circled offshore.
Camera IconSwimmers at Yallingup Beach after like the one inset circled offshore. Credit: The West Australian

Swimmers have been forced out of the water at a South West beach after several sharks were spotted.

A witness said Surf Life Saving’s Westpac helicopter blared its sirens and continually swooped after spotting the sharks at Yallingup Beach.

It is believed that up to six sharks were seen about 11.10am, circling about 30m offshore. They ranged in size from 2m to 2.5m.

“The alarm was really loud and the chopper kept circling from the shore to the main part of the beach to where the swimmers and surfers were,” Steve Butler, who is in Yallingup with his family on holiday, said.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“The chopper was continually swooping where people were swimming and close to a big group of surfers.

“It was really interesting to watch as it swooped low close to the shore and with siren blaring.

“Scores of people were forced out of the water. There’s always lots of people down here at this time of the year.”

Yallingup Beach.
Camera IconYallingup Beach. Credit: Steve Butler

Mr Butler said the sharks were likely attracted by schools of fish in the area.

“There are lots of schools of fish around out there,” he said. “There’s a big local salmon school chasing mullet.”

Lifesavers are patrolling the beach.

The beach was also closed yesterday afternoon when a 2m shark was spotted 50m offshore.

Surfers get of the water.
Camera IconSurfers get of the water. Credit: Steve Butler

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails