A juvenile humpback whale has died after beaching on Cable Beach near Albany.
The 7m whale was found on the beach about noon on Sunday.
Albany Department of Environment and Conservation officer Peter Collins said there was nothing the department could do to help it back out to sea.
“There was limited access to the area where it was beached and the whale was lodged behind the reef,” Mr Collins said.
“It probably weighed around five or six tonnes and, unfortunately, we couldn’t do anything.”
Mr Collins said whale had been badly “scratched up” by the reef but otherwise, at least on the surface, seemed in good condition.
He said that there were no plans to move it as it was believed the current would eventually shift it out into the ocean.
“The public are welcome to go have a look at it but remember, dead whales attract sharks,” Mr Collins said.
“So I would warn anyone against swimming at Cable Beach for a while.”
Source : www.thewest.com.au