Report of whale rider investigated

Photo / Supplied

PERTH - A teenager reportedly seen hitching a ride on the back of a whale off the West Australian coast was courting death, say environmental authorities.

The WA Department of Environment and Conservation was alerted that a teen had been seen on the back of a southern right whale near Middleton Beach. District manager Mike Shephard said that it was crazy and illegal.

"Adult southern right whales can reach 18m ... and weigh ... 80 tonnes. If you are in the way of a tail slap or when it breaches, you are unlikely to survive."

- AAP