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UPDATE: Local whale watcher raises SOS for beached whale in distress [EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE]
The public is reminded that they are not allowed to harvest from the whale carcass
A local whale watcher jumped into action and called the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) when she heard about the beached whale on Pipeline Beach, Amanzimtoti this morning, (21 August).
The whale was still alive when Nadine Fitzner arrived at the beach after seeing a Facebook post.
“I saw the juvenile whale on its side. I could clearly see it was in distress. It was still alive when my husband and I arrived. But it was incredibly weak. The waves were taking a huge toll on the whale. When I saw the post, I immediately contacted NSRI. I stayed in contact with them as they tried to coordinate the rescue efforts,” said Fitzner.
A member of NSRI confirmed that they were called to the scene of the beached whale and got in contact with various other authorities to help with the beached whale.
CLOSE UP OF THE BEACHED WHALE by Carol Lane
Ezemvelo spokesman, Musa Mntambo said the whale was a four to six metre sub adult Humpback Whale. The cause of death is unknown. “The eThekwini Municipality is responsible for the removal and disposal of the carcass,” said Mntambo.
He warned the public that they are not allowed to harvest from the carcass. “We do not know the cause of death as yet, so it is not safe to eat the whale meat,” he added.
WATCH: Drone footage of the beached whale by Paul O’Neil
WATCH:Â EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE by Andreas Mathios: Authorities work on removing whale carcass at a Toti beach
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