There were many questions regarding the stranding of the four pygmy sperm whales on Dias Beach, Mossel Bay, on the afternoon of December 20.

Smart (Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team) has compiled this report on the possible reasons for the stranding.

The stranded animals were identified as three adult whales (two males, one female) and one female calf, born approximately 24 to 48 hours before the stranding.

A necropsies on all four carcasses was performed by Dr Greg Hofmeyr from the Bayworld Oceanarium in Gqeberha. No definite cause for the stranding has been determined.

Smart is offering general information which could provide more insight into factors which may have contributed to this distressful and tragic event:

• No obvious major external health issues were noted.
• Numerous blubber cysts were found – an occurrence that generally appears in animals that are somewhat weakened.
• Worms were apparent within the carcasses.
• It also appeared that some of the animals may have had an infection of some kind.
• The possibility of a shark attack is highly unlikely and no external wounds were found.
• A pygmy sperm whale has a sac filled with dark liquid in its intestine. One whale can release approximately 12 litres of reddish-brown liquid, or ‘ink’, from this sac. This ‘ink’ is generally released when these animals feel threatened or stressed. This ink-release could be a possible reason for the reddish colour in the water during the stranding, which to most onlookers appeared to be blood.
• Marine traffic ie ships, boats, cruise liners, etc are strictly regulated by the municipality and cannot be ruled as the cause of stranding.

Smart requests the public that should you spot a marine animal on the beach, to phone them immediately on the rescue line – 072 227 4715.

Also read: Stranded whales – rescue attempts and disposal