Tragic whale stranding in Mossel Bay ends in euthanasia

Tragic whale stranding in Mossel Bay ends in euthanasia – UPDATE

A tragic incident has unfolded in Hartenbos in Mossel Bay, where two beaked whales were found stranded on the shore.

A tragic incident has unfolded at Hartenbos Beach in Mossel Bay, where two beaked whales were found stranded on the shore. Image: S.M.A.R.T Facebook

A tragic incident has unfolded in Hartenbos in Mossel Bay, where two beaked whales were found stranded on the shore.

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On Monday afternoon, Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T) was alerted to a beaked whale and her calf stranded at the Hartenbos River Mouth.

S.M.A.R.T responded alongside NSRI Station 15 Mossel Bay, Lacey Williams from Oceans Research, and several of their interns.

Thanks to the combined efforts – along with the help of members of the public – the whales were successfully returned to the ocean.

Unfortunately, the celebration was short-lived, as both the mother and calf stranded again.

After consulting with leading marine biologists and conservation authorities, it was determined that euthanasia was the most humane course of action to prevent further suffering.

Beaked whales

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.