IN celebration of Heritage Month, the Southlands Sun will delve into forgotten historical stories from various communities, bringing their rich past back to life.

The first historical site that we would like to touch base on this week is the iconic Bluff Whaling Station.

This was a beloved spot for anglers in the 1950s. It became a vibrant hub for fishing enthusiasts, attracted by its abundant waters and picturesque  surroundings.

Also read: The Bluff Whaling Station showcased in Durban Tourism tour [Video]

It also played a key role in Durban’s maritime and fishing heritage, serving as a gathering point for the community to share stories, techniques, and memorable catches.

According to history, the fishermen who used seine net also fished off the sandbar which blocked the harbour entrance. The sandbar formed at the confluence of the harbour outflow, the Mozambique current and the south-easterly winds.

Ships frequently ran aground over the sandbar, necessitating the use of a dredger to clear and reopen the harbour mouth.

According to Sodurba Tourism Association, the whaling industry in Durban reached its peak in the 1950s and was one of the biggest land-based whaling stations in the world.

The station operated 24 hours a day, processing thousands of whales annually, making Durban one of the busiest whaling ports in the world.

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