ETHEKWINI officials armed with chainsaws and wearing hazmat-style suits are today (Friday, 1 August) dismembering the humpback whale carcass which beached opposite Ocean View Road, Athlone Park on Thursday.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife marine district conservation officer James Wood is overseeing the operation at the beach, which is expected to last most of the weekend.
Woods explained that the whale was about five or six-years-old, and weighed about six tons. “An adult humpback can reach lengths of 20 to 30-m,”he added.
A bulldozer is being used to dig a large hole at the foot of the dune, above the high water mark, where the dismembered chunks of whale will be buried. According to Woods, the decomposition process will last several years, and it is hoped the raised Spring tides won’t uncover the rotting carcass.
More updates to follow.
