Richards Bay beached whale carcass hacked for umuthi
The humpback whale calf washed up just north of Richards Bay
OPPORTUNISTS have taken pangas and machetes to the beached whale carcass north of Richards Bay, hacking off pieces to reportedly sell for umuthi.
The body of the 7m-long juvenile humpback whale washed up late yesterday (Monday) after the mammal suffered fatal injuries.
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It was initially thought the high tide would carry the carcass back into the surf, and bathers and other beach-goers were this morning warned not to enter the sea.
Disposing of a marine mammal carcass is not a simple undertaking, and bodies of previously beached whales and dolphins in Richards Bay have been set alight.
Photo: Reece Reid
While it is not yet clear what caused the whale’s death, marine mammal experts are studying photographic evidence of its remains.
After receiving reports of the stranding at about 9pm last night, NSRI station commander Mike Patterson went to the scene and confirmed the sighting.
Read more about the potential cause of death in this week’s ZO Weekender
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