A humpback whale carcass recently washed ashore on Long Beach, capturing the curiosity of local residents and diving enthusiasts. The discovery follows the presence of a large group of humpback whales in False Bay, coinciding with the heightened marine activity around the SA Navy Festival.
Divers who inspected the whale did not find any obvious external injuries, leading to speculation that it might not have been struck by a ship. According to a member of the dive team, the whale appeared “fresh,” indicating it had not been deceased for long. Social media reactions were filled with sadness, and some urged boat operators to exercise greater caution in such waters.
Photos of the scene below courtesy of Brenton Geach:
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 15: A view of a Humpback Whale that breached at Long Beach in Simon’s Town on October 15, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. Every year between June and December, southern right and humpback whales can be seen along the south coast from Cape Town to Mossel Bay. During this period, both species are frequently seen with calves, as they use South African waters for calving and rearing their young. (Photo by Gallo Images/Brenton Geach)
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 15: A view of a Humpback Whale that breached at Long Beach in Simon’s Town on October 15, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. Every year between June and December, southern right and humpback whales can be seen along the south coast from Cape Town to Mossel Bay. During this period, both species are frequently seen with calves, as they use South African waters for calving and rearing their young. (Photo by Gallo Images/Brenton Geach)
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 15: A view of a Humpback Whale that breached at Long Beach in Simon’s Town on October 15, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. Every year between June and December, southern right and humpback whales can be seen along the south coast from Cape Town to Mossel Bay. During this period, both species are frequently seen with calves, as they use South African waters for calving and rearing their young. (Photo by Gallo Images/Brenton Geach)
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 15: A view of a Humpback Whale that breached at Long Beach in Simon’s Town on October 15, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. Every year between June and December, southern right and humpback whales can be seen along the south coast from Cape Town to Mossel Bay. During this period, both species are frequently seen with calves, as they use South African waters for calving and rearing their young. (Photo by Gallo Images/Brenton Geach)
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