The carcass of the 14 metre adult female Bryde’s Whale that was pulled from the New Harbour out to sea toward Die Plaat by Hermanus NSRI on 4 May 2023, washed up at Sopiesklip near Grotto Beach towards De Kelders over the weekend.

The cause of death could not be determined from visual inspection as there were no visible signs of entanglement or ship strike that could have led to its death.

Scientists from the Overberg Stranding Network will take samples and measurements during the course of the day.

Stranding response in the Overberg area is managed by a collaborative group of organisations, including CapeNature, Department of Environmental Affairs, Dyer Island Conservation Trust, Hermanus Animal Hospital 24 hr service, Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit, NSRI, Overberg District Municipality and Overstrand Municipality.

They are a collaborative group of organisations that ensure as much information as possible is retrieved from every stranding, that live animals are refloated or euthanised if necessary and that carcasses are disposed of safely if they come ashore in a built-up area.

If you find a marine mammal along the coast you are urged to call the Municipality on 028 313 8000/8111 during office hours and ask for the Environmental Management Section, or the Dyer Island Conservation Trust’s rescue stranding line at 072 598 7117.