Brief
Humpback whale carcass removed from City Beach after shark concerns
The Town of Cambridge used a crane to lift the whale after an excavator failed, keeping the beach closed amid shark activity.
By Felo News Desk · Published
A 13‑metre, 31‑tonne humpback whale that stranded on City Beach on Monday morning was lifted and removed on Oct 1, 2026, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
The Town of Cambridge hired a large crane on Thursday after an excavator could not safely lift the carcass. Mayor Gary Mack said the operation could cost between $60,000 and $100,000 and that the whale would be buried at Red Hill tip rather than towed out to sea.
Shark activity prompted the beach to remain closed. Great white sharks over five metres long were sighted near the carcass, and drum lines set on Tuesday caught two tagged great whites that were later released.
A smoking ceremony was held on Wednesday, as noted in a Town of Cambridge Facebook post, to pay respects before the removal.
Key facts
- The whale was 13 metres long and weighed about 31 tonnes. (smh.com.au)
- A crane was used to remove the carcass after an excavator failed. (smh.com.au)
- Mayor Gary Mack estimated removal costs between $60,000 and $100,000. (smh.com.au)
- Great white sharks were spotted near the carcass; two were caught and tagged on drum lines. (smh.com.au)
- The beach stays closed to protect swimmers from shark activity. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Whale carcass finally removed from City Beach”
