The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre was notified by a member of the public that a marine mammal was bleeding and washed ashore at Surfers Corners, Muizenberg, opposite the railway station shortly after 08:00 on Saturday, 19 May 2012.
The disaster response teams of the City were dispatched to the scene of incident. Upon arrival it was established that a 2.5 metres pigmy sperm whale has been washed against the rocks whereafter it landed upon on the beach. The marine mammal sustained severe lacerations caused by rocks.
The marine mammal has been euthanized by the Department of Environmental Affairs and the SPCA by using a captive bolt pistol. This device is normally been used for stunning prior to slaughter. The principle behind captive bolt stunning is a forceful strike on the forehead using a bolt to induce unconsciousness.
The carcass was removed to the facility of the Department of Environmental Affairs in Paarden Eiland.
A necropsy will be undertaken by scientists of the Department of Environmental Affairs to establish the cause of death of the pigmy sperm whale.
End
Wilfred Schrevian Evan Solomons-Johannes
Head: Systems Integration & Special Projects
Acting Head: Disaster Operations Centre
Disaster Risk Management Centre
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