Stranded sperm whale dies despite rescue attempts

A West Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DCBA) spokesperson said the whale, who had been swimming close to beaches near Perth for a number of days, died around 6.30am on December 11.

Wildlife agencies were notified of the 15m marine mammal swimming close to shore on December 11.

It's understood staff on site noticed the whale had moved 300m from the sand bar toward Garden Island, south of Perth.

"After completing an on-water assessment of the whale, we can confirm that sadly, the whale died at approximately 6:30am," a spokesperson said.

"We would just like to say thank you to everyone involved in this incident, including the community."

Viral social media footage circulating on Instagram and TikTok showed beachgoers approaching the whale at close range as it lay near the shore.

Authorities later blocked off the surrounding area and were working to assess the creature's health.

Crews will maintain a safety perimeter around the whale before its body can be moved to a secure location away from the beach.

Its carcass will then be removed from the water.

DCBA Swan Coastal district manager Mark Cugley had previously said the whale had been assessed by marine scientists, veterinarians and wildlife staff.

"Whether euthanasia is the best outcome for the animal is something we're still determining," he said.

It was previously spotted at Port Beach near Fremantle on December 9, swimming very close to shore as it headed south.

Patrol boats poured water on the whale in a bid to keep it comfortable and limit sunburn.

It's understood the whale was struck by a boat on December 10.

"It's really disappointing that we had that boat strike yesterday, and exactly why we're setting up an exclusion zone," Mr Cugley said.

"We're not aware of any trauma from the boat strike."

Mr Cugley said the area behind the whale's skull was "sunken", which is a sign of sickness in animals, and had also been swimming in ways unusual for healthy members of its species.

"It was just tending to swim in circles, which is unusual and getting a bit beached on some of the sandbars around Port Beach," he said.

"It is something we're concerned about."

DCBA marine mammal expert Dr Kelly Waples said the animal was looking very "emaciated" but the situation was a "watch and wait".

"The whale is really not in good condition," she said.

"(Sperm Whales) live offshore in deep water, and that's where they forage and spend their time."

Any action taken will be in accordance with the International Whale Convention, according to local authorities.