Floating whale carcass mistaken for capsized boat

MELKBOSSTRAND Tuesday 28th February 2012.At 19h09 NSRI Melkbosstrand volunteer sea rescue duty crew were called out following eye-witness reports of what appeared to be a large capsized boat seen floating about a nautical mile off-shore of Melkbos Point.The duty crew launched a sea rescue craft and responded to the scene but on arrival rescuers were met by the stench of an 8 meter decomposing whale carcass floating on its back with the underbelly giving the distinct impression of the underside of a boat.Maritime Radio Services confirmed that this carcass may be the same as one reported earlier in the week floating near Robben Island and there are concerns that the wind direction will drive the carcass ashore.Maritime navigational warnings are being posted by Maritime Radio Services and boaters in the area are urged to be cautious.