Swordfish beaches itself in Gordon's Bay

At 18h38, Tuesday, 30 October, NSRI Gordons Bay duty crew were requested by CoCT MASN (City of Cape Town Marine Animal Stranding Network) to assist at Gordons Bay Beach where a Sword Fish had beached.

It appears that concerned residents, Good Samaritans, had attempted to get the Sword Fish back out to sea during the high tide peak after the animal was witnessed beaching in shallow surf during the turn of the high tide but efforts had not been successful.

An NSRI Gordons Bay rescue crew, the SA Police Services, CoCT Law Enforcement officers responded to the scene while the SPCA were alerted and a CoCT MASN team, from QUEMIC Nature Conservation, responded.

On arrival on the scene the large Sword Fish was found beached.

Despite risking injury concerned public members were attempting to re-float the Sword Fish but the animal continued to beach itself.

NSRI Gordons Bay crew, Gordons Bay SAPS patrol officers and Law Enforcement assisted to protect the beached animal.

The Sword Fish, sadly unable to be returned to the ocean, has been removed for Department of Environment scientific study.

It is unknown what caused the Sword Fish to beach although we suspect ill health.

The public members on the scene are commended for trying their best to save the animal.

The swift response of NSRI Gordons Bay, Police, Law Enforcement, QUEMIC and CoCT MASN is commended.

While these events are sad and understandably citizens want to do their best for the animal we appeal to the public to avoid risking injury in these natural circumstances.