Decomposing whale carcass results in beach closure
Health and safety issues resulted in the closure of Karridene and Umgababa beaches for bathing today, September 9.
A DECOMPOSING humpback whale carcass that washed up south of Winklespruit resulted in the closure of Karridene and Umgababa beaches for bathing.
Today, September 9, at about 12:00, ward 97 councillor, André Beetge said, “Note that Karridene and Umgababa beaches are closed on instruction from both the municipality and Sharks Board for bathing. This due to a decomposing humpback whale carcass that washed out south of Winklespruit near Karridene river mouth and resulted increase of shark activity in the area.”
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On Thursday, September 7, community members took to the WE LOVE AMANZIMTOTI Facebook group to share their concern for a whale that looked like it was splashing around in distress. Then yesterday, September 8, one member said, “It seems to have died now. It’s tail-up in the water since early this morning. Drifting towards Doonside.”
Beetge urges the community to refrain from taking or eating any of the decomposing carcass. “The parks department are making arrangements to remove and bury it,” he said.
Adding that access and enforcement is a challenge due to the location along an otherwise deserted stretch of beach.
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