Humpback whale beaches near Glentana

Residents of Dwarsweg Beach near Glentana alerted the Mossel Bay Fire and Rescue Services to the fact that a large whale had beached there, early on Tuesday morning, 10 October.

S.M.A.R.T. (Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team) was alerted and volunteers went to assess the condition of the mammal.

It was found that the sub-adult male humpback was already dead and sharks and other marine predators had taken huge chunks of blubber from the carcass.

Valuable scientific measurements and data samples were taken by Oceans Research personnel. The cause of death is unknown. The whale beached on its back, displaying the ventral grooves and other features rarely seen very clearly. The whale measured 12,1 metres and it will be removed by the Mossel Bay Municipality.

S.M.A.R.T. and official rescue services ask that the public keep their dogs and themselves away from the carcass and that extreme caution be taken as there might be an increase in shark activity in the vicinity as blood and body fluids seep into the ocean.

Photos: Tersia Marais Residents have a close look while Oceans Research personnel take measurements and samples.

Residents embraced the rare opportunity to have a close look at one of the ocean’s large mammals. The whale beached lying on its back, displaying its ventral grooves.