Remarkable beaching at Little Brak

Tersia Marais

The beaching of a True’s beaked whale mother and calf at Little Brak River early on Saturday morning was only the second recorded incident of this species beaching on the South African coastline.

The True’s beaked whale is among the rarest of whale species. Therefore, it was decided that cetacean specialist Dr Gwenyth Penry from Plettenberg Bay and her scientific team would take as many samples as possible to use in research that could help the scientific community understand more about these beautiful creatures.

Interns from Oceans Research in Mossel Bay assisted, while the volunteers of the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (Smart) secured the area around the whale and informed the public of proceedings.

The neighbourhood watch and Midbrak Conservancy helped to keep the carcasses safe at night.

Although the reason for the beaching is not known, both animals seemed to have been in good condition, with the calf still having milk in its oesophagus. The mother measured 4,8 metres and the calf 2,4 metres.

The beach at Little Brak River will remain closed until further notice as a precautionary measure, because of possible increased shark activity. Follow this story at www. mosselbayadvertiser.com. Although the reason for the beaching is not known, both animals seemed to have been in good condition, with the calf still having milk in its oesophagus.

The calf beached about 900 metres from its mother.

Volunteers of the NSRI Mossel Bay and volunteers of Smart helped to pull the carcass of the mother to above the high water mark where the scientific team could do the necropsy.

The mother was found in the surf but had already died.