Whale carcass to be removed and warning of possible increased shark activity – Southern Cape:

On Friday afternoon, 29th June, NSRI Wilderness duty crew were alerted to a whale beaching at Sedgefield Beach, between the Swartvlei River Mouth and Sedgefield Beach.The NSRI Montagu Property Quad Bike with NSRI rescue swimmers was dispatched and SA National Park (SANParks) rangers, Cape Nature members, and Marine Authorities were alerted and officials attended the scene.

The whale, an 8.83 meter juvenile Humpback whale was found in shallow surf and efforts to reach the whale were too dangerous due to the whale thrashing around in shallow surf.

It was hoped that the Spring high tide would offer relief and although it appeared at Spring high tide that the whale would use the Spring high tide to return to sea sadly the whale beached and died.

Marine authorities have taken samples and the whale carcass will be disposed in an operation by Municipal Authorities and SANParks.

Local Municipal Authorities and NSRI are urging the public to be cautious in the area along that stretch of the Southern Cape coastline between Plettenberg Bay and Mossel Bay as the whale carcass will most likely attract increased shark activity in the area.

Lifeguards on-duty during the Vacation period at Sedgefield’s Swartvlei Beach and at Myoli Beach have also been alerted to the possible increased shark activity expected in the area and to caution bathers accordingly.

Public concern at the scene on Friday and Saturday was greatly appreciated.