environment
‘The whale was not treated with the respect it deserved’: recriminations after carcass towed to Wollongong tip
Tugboat tows carcass of ‘leviathan proportions’ 20km from Era beach to Bellambi boat ramp, attracting sharks, says councillor demanding inquiry
TL;DR
- A sperm whale carcass was towed 20km along the coast near Sydney, from Era beach to Bellambi boat ramp.
- Locals claim they were not adequately warned about the towing operation, leading to increased shark activity.
- Wollongong City Councillor Jess Whittaker is demanding a review into the operation, citing a lack of communication and respect for the whale.
- The operation involved a tugboat and contractor, with the carcass eventually broken apart and transported to a waste facility.
- Multiple shark sightings were reported in the area over the weekend following the towing operation.
- Disagreements exist between the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Wollongong City Council regarding responsibility for public warnings.
- The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols and cultural sensitivity in handling whale carcasses.
- Wollongong's lord mayor has requested a meeting with state ministers to establish future operational protocols.