Juvenile Humpback whale euthanised after beaching at Robberg Nature Reserve
A juvenile Humpback whale that beached at Robberg Nature Reserve has been humanely euthanised despite extensive rescue efforts by marine authorities, local organisations, and volunteers.
At approximately 14:39 on Monday, 19 May, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) in Plettenberg Bay, CapeNature rangers, and the Plettenberg Bay Marine Animal Stranding Network were alerted to a whale appearing to be in distress at The Wild Side of the Robberg Nature Reserve.
NSRI Station Commander Jaco Kruger confirmed that both sea and land rescue teams were immediately mobilised.
Rescue craft Ray Farnham Rescuer , Eric Stratford , and Courtenays Rescuer were launched, while teams also hiked to the site.
The whale, approximately 7 metres long and identified as a juvenile Humpback, was found stranded in the shallow surf.
Teams, along with bystander Good Samaritans, undertook extensive efforts to re-float the whale during the rising tide, including towing attempts using NSRI rescue craft.
Despite these efforts, the whale continued to re-beach, showing signs that it was no longer viable to save.
On Tuesday morning, marine authorities, assisted by the South African Police Service (SAPS), made the difficult decision to humanely euthanise the whale.
Marine scientists collected tissue samples for necropsy to better understand the whale's condition and potential reasons behind the stranding.
Commander Kruger commended all involved, including community volunteers, for their unwavering commitment to attempting a rescue.
'Bystander Good Samaritans, and all involved in trying to save the whale, are commended for the extensive efforts,' he said.
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