Arabic version: جنوح حوت أحدب في بورت كينيدي

According to ABC News, a humpback whale has become beached on a sand bank in shallow water at Port Kennedy, in Perth’s southern suburbs.

Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions staff were at the scene, liaising with veterinarians to determine the most appropriate course of action. The whale stranded itself in shallow waters in the Port Kennedy marine park.

Port Kennedy beach was closed and the public was asked to stay away to avoid causing further stress to the whale. The department also said the animal was likely to attract sharks to the area.

Incident controller Benson Todd said veterinarians from Perth Zoo had arrived to assess the whale and help guide the next steps. He said the animal was about nine metres long and had likely suffered internal injuries after becoming beached.

“Unfortunately, the prognosis for the whale isn’t good,” Mr Todd said. He said the team was preparing sedatives to make the whale more comfortable.

The beaching drew onlookers, and Mr Todd urged people to be respectful. He said the crowd had been moved farther from the whale to keep people safe and prevent extra stress on the animal.