Humpback whale washes up in Wilderness

Video

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS AND VIDEO - A humpback whale washed out at Steps, Wilderness Beach on Friday late afternoon.

The whale is still alive and if needs be will be euthanized at 12:00 this afternoon.

The South African Police and the Department of Environmental Affairs are in charge of the scene. A marine biologist will do a quick tissue sampling session and the carcass will be removed.

George Municipal Cleansing workers will do the removal.

George Municipality Law Enforcement, the Police, the George Fire Brigade, George Lifeguards and SMART (Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team) are on the beach for the safety of the public that is currently there.

We do an urgent appeal to the public to please steer clear of the area so that the authorities can do their job and assist the animal in a humane manner.

Once the euthanization has taken place the beach will be closed from Wilderness all the way to Leentjiesklip.

We thank the public for their cooperation in this regard.

Watch a video below.