A juvenile Humpback whale has been washed up on a rocky patch West of Jan Rabie’s tidal pool in Vermont.

Scientists from the Overberg Stranding Network have been taken samples of this 7-ton male. The cause of death is unknown but there were no visible signs of any entanglement or any other physical damage that could have led to its death.

The whale will be cut open for degassing and let nature break it down naturally. It will take 2-3 weeks for total decomposition.

Overberg Stranding Network

The Overberg Stranding Network is 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.

Stranding response in the Overberg area is managed by a collaborative group of organisations: 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.

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