Mega shark spotted as whale carcass causes feeding frenzy at NSW beach

The shark was estimated to be 4.5-6m long and is believed to be a white pointer. Photo / Supplied via news.com.au

Swimmers and surfers are being urged to avoid a number of beaches on the south coast of New South Wales as a rotting whale carcass causes a shark feeding frenzy.

One drone operator spotted a massive shark on Friday swimming near the shore and close by a boat at surf break Peggys after a "significant number of sharks" were spotted between Sandon Point and Bulli Beach.

"Safe to say I won't be surfing Peggys for a few days," Geo Mattis wrote on Instagram sharing photos videos of the mega shark.

Incredible photo by @geomatts of giant shark, great white I think, feeding off a beached whale at Bulli, near Wollongong today. pic.twitter.com/enjctK6grX

— Nick McLaren (@nickpmclaren) September 11, 2020

Illawarra Council closed beaches at Bulli, Thirroul, Sandon Point and Woonona, and lifesavers urged people not to exercise on the sand.

"We're asking everyone to stay out of the water between Sandon Point and Bulli Beach," the City of Wollongong Council said today.

Surfers and swimmers have been urged to avoid beaches in the area. Photo / Supplied via news.com.au

"There has been significant number of sharks spotted in the area after a dead whale was washed up at Waniora Point, Bulli."

"Surf Life Saving Illawarra is #warning swimmers, surfers and divers not to enter the water at #Bulli and Sandon Point beaches due to a significant number of large #sharks in the area feeding on a dead #whale carcass," Surf Life Saving NSW said on Twitter.

#SUPPORTOPERATIONS // Surf Life Saving Illawarra is #warning swimmers, surfers and divers not to enter the water at #Bulli and Sandon Point beaches due to a significant number of large #sharks in the area feeding on a dead #whale carcass.
📷 Rohnin Henry Micale pic.twitter.com/4BqBojtAwy

— Surf Life Saving NSW (@slsnsw) September 11, 2020

The lifesavers also shared a video of the whale carcass crashing against the rocks on the beach in the area, with sharks fins visible in water nearby.

Council lifeguards are working with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and NSW police to safely remove the carcass from the beach.