Shark feeding frenzy near water's edge

PERTH, Australia (CNN/NETWORK TEN) - Cameras were rolling as a group of sharks went on a feeding frenzy along Australia's West Coast.  

Beaches shut down as more than a dozen tiger sharks circled just feet from shore.

Up to 16 tiger sharks fed off a dolphin carcass around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday -- just 20 meters from one of Perth's most popular beaches.

The sharks ranged in size from 1- to 3 meters.

“I can't recall off the top of my head seeing anything remotely like this -- the sight of up to 16 sharks feeding within about 30 meters of the water’s edge is truly amazing,” said John Snook, beach services coordinator.

Beaches at Scarborough and Trigg were closed immediately.

The frenzy attracted many curious onlookers as the sharks came so close to shore you could touch them.

“It is pretty cool, especially how close they are, just to be able to stand on the beach,” said one onlooker. “I could see the stripes on that.”

“Scary, you know,” said another. “One of them was as close in as if I was in there paddling really. I mean quite scary.”

The sharks hung around for at least three hours, and fisheries and surf lifesavers are continuing to monitor the situation. Still, the beaches will remain closed indefinitely.

Tiger sharks are known to attack humans, but there hasn't been a deadly tiger shark attack in West Australian waters since 1930.