Whale carcass on Dwarswegstrand, Great Brak

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - There is a Bryde's whale carcass on Dwarswegstrand, Great Brak.

Mossel Bay Municipality states it will be removing it as soon as possible, depending on machinery available.

Stranded Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T.) spokesperson Val Marsh said: "It's a juvenile, with no signs of injury, so it is unknown why it is on the beach and what caused its death.

Died

"It was still alive when got there at 04:45 today, but died shortly afterwards. Someone in the caravan park got up in the night and saw something gleaming in the moonlight."

Marsh said S.M.A.R.T. received the call-out at 04:30..

She said: "It is 6.9 metres long." S.M.A.R.T. took samples from the animal to be sent to a whale expert for testing.

Removal

Mossel Bay Municipality noted that members of its Environmental Department visited the site earlier this morning. It stated: "The removal of the carcass is dependent on the availability of heavy machinery required, as well as tide movement and beach access. Members of the public are requested to avoid the area, preferably, until the carcass has been removed."