Update: Beached whale in Great Brak

GREAT BRAK NEWS & VIDEO - The Humpback whale that was found beached in Great Brak river yesterday morning, died after it was euthanised later during the day.

A rescue operation to get the whale back into the surf was launched around
11:30 and abandoned at approximately 13:30.

According to dr Frans de Graaff from the Hartenbos Animal Hospital , who also visited the scene yesterday whilst the rescue operation was underway, it is imperative to refloat a whale within an hour from when it is beached.

"There are ample post mortem proof that whales sustain massive damage to their muscles, when beached for more than an hour.

"Massive amounts of myoglobin - an iron- and oxygen-binding protein found in the muscle tissue - is released from these damaged muscles. This is released into the bloodstream of the whale and utlimately causes massive kidney failure," commented Dr De Graaff.

Municipal spokesperson, Harry Hill said that the Municipality is now responsible for the removal of the carcass.

"The Municiplaity acquires special equipment to remove the carcass in these circumstances. However, sea and weather conditions are currently hampering the removal of the carcass." According to Hill, once removed, the carcass will be taken to the PetroSA dumping site.

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Watch a short video of the attempted rescue below.