- A 14.3-meter Humpback whale carcass was removed from Kommetjie waters on 16 November in a coordinated effort between the NSRI and the City of Cape Town.
- The operation involved towing the whale to Hout Bay and overcoming significant logistical challenges to ensure public safety.
- This highlights the ongoing work of authorities and marine organizations in managing marine life strandings.
A Humpback whale carcass, measuring 14,3 metres and weighing an estimated 35 tons, was successfully removed from the waters off Kommetjie this past weekend in a complex, multi-agency operation.
The operation, which took place on Saturday 16 November, required swift coordination between the City of Cape Town (CoCT), National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), and several other supporting departments, to ensure both public safety and environmental protection.
The whale was first spotted drifting offshore, near Slangkop Lighthouse, posing significant risks to the coastline. The Coastal Management Department immediately responded to assess the situation. According to Grant Twigg, Mayco member for urban waste management, “we knew this was a time-sensitive operation. It wasn’t just about removing the whale carcass but about minimising any risk to the public and our environment”.
The NSRI Hout Bay Station deployed its rescue vessels, Albie Matthews and Nadine Gordimer, to tow the carcass to the Hout Bay slipway.
Spencer Oldham, NSRI Hout Bay Station Commander, described the operation as a “remarkable team effort”, noting that the rescue was accompanied by a pod of dolphins, providing a surreal moment amid the task at hand. “A large pod of dolphins swam alongside us as we towed the carcass, an unexpected but beautiful part of this operation,” Oldham said.
Once the carcass was safely at the slipway, the City’s urban waste management specialised equipment services (SES) team took over to transport the whale to the landfill. The size and advanced state of decomposition of the whale presented significant logistical challenges.
Marwaan Davids, Senior Superintendent of SES, explained: “Securing the carcass and navigating the difficult terrain to the landfill was no easy task. It required every team member’s ingenuity and expertise.”
The whale was transported on a flatbed truck, driven by Buyron Phillips, who displayed skill and bravery during the operation. Traffic control was managed along the route by traffic services, ensuring that civilians remained at a safe distance while the whale was being moved.
The trench prepared for its arrival had to be significantly widened to accommodate the size of the animal. “This operation was a massive logistical challenge, but thanks to the incredible teamwork, we managed it successfully,” said Twigg.
“Thanks to the tireless efforts of all the teams involved, from the NSRI to our own departments, we were able to execute this operation smoothly,” said Twigg. “We are also grateful to the public for their patience and understanding as the operation unfolded.”
The removal and disposal of whale carcasses highlight the ongoing work of local authorities and marine organisations in managing marine life strandings.
