2 bitten by seal in Plettenberg Bay
Beachgoers were rushed out of the water and emergency services mobilised after an aggressive seal injured two people during a crowded New Year’s Day event.
Two people were bitten by a seal at Central Beach in Plettenberg Bay on New Year’s Day, at an event packed with bathers, Bitou Municipality has confirmed.
Mossel Bay Advertiser reports that, in a statement, Bitou communications manager Andile Namntu said during New Year’s Day celebrations at Central Beach, ‘an unexpected and aggressive seal incident occurred at approximately 17:30’. This is the second seal incident in the past week at Central Beach.
On December 27, a seal displaying erratic behaviour was observed and later euthanised, and lifeguards cleared the water. On that day, there were no injuries.
Namntu said on New Year’s Day, lifeguards on duty reported that a seal entered the swimming area and bit a person in the water.
“Beach Control immediately ordered the evacuation of all bathers from the ocean, as the beach was hosting a mass event at the time.
“Despite these swift actions, a raft/dinghy remained in the backline. The seal returned to the ocean, attacked the raft, and a second person sustained injuries,” said Namntu.
Namntu said Superintendent John Prins and Bitou lifeguards provided immediate assistance to both people.
One person self-transported for medical care, while the second was taken to Mediclinic by Prins. Beach Control alerted Mediclinic Emergency in advance to ensure readiness for the arrival of the two seal bite victims.
The statement said Beach Control activated the Garden Route Rescue (GRR), which arrived promptly and, in conjunction with shark spotters, located the seal at Beacon Isle Rocks.
“Under the authority of officer [Anton] Mostert, and with support from GRR and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the seal was euthanised,” said Namntu.
The carcass has been retained for sampling by CapeNature.
An appeal is made to the public to avoid seals and not to hit or harm them, as this is cruelty to animals and is a punishable offence.
People are asked to report all seal incidents via WhatsApp to 079 463 4837.
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