A tragic incident has unfolded at Hartenbos Beach in Mossel Bay, where beaked whales were found stranded on the shore.
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It sparked immediate rescue efforts from bystanders and marine enthusiasts.
However, despite attempts to guide the animals back into the ocean, the whales repeatedly returned to the beach, leading to the decision to euthanise them.
A Facebook group known as Drone Fanatics initially attempted to refloat the whales, but their efforts were unsuccessful as they kept returning to shore.
This action was an indication that something was amiss.
‘No alternative’
In a statement from the Drone Fanatics, they explained the gravity of the situation.
‘I understand that many people are asking why we did not intervene further. In reality, we did assist by guiding them back into the ocean. However, they repeatedly returned to shore, which is a strong indication that something was wrong. Given the circumstances, there was no alternative but to euthanise them.
‘Beaked whales are a family of deep-diving, elusive marine mammals known for their elongated snouts and preference for deep ocean waters. They belong to the family Ziphiidae and are among the least understood cetaceans due to their rare surfacing behavior and preference for remote parts of the ocean.
‘There are over 20 known species of beaked whales, including the Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris), which holds the record for the longest recorded dive of any mammal – over 3.5 hours. These whales are specialised for deep-sea foraging, primarily feeding on squid and deep-water fish, using echolocation to navigate the dark depths.
‘One of their distinctive features is their minimal dentition; in many species, only males have visible tusk-like teeth, which are thought to play a role in competition. They are also known for their ability to avoid detection, making them difficult to study.’
Have you ever encountered a mammal stranded on the beach?
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