Residents of Cape Town were left stunned on Sunday, November 17, as a giant humpback whale carcass was transported through the city streets on a truck.
The extraordinary sight drew crowds, with many people marveling at the sheer size of the mammal.
The 14.8-meter-long whale, weighing an estimated 35,000 kilograms, had washed ashore near the Slangkop Lighthouse in Kommetjie.
According to Spencer Oldham, station commander of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Hout Bay, the carcass was first spotted adrift offshore on Saturday morning.
“The NSRI rescue craft Albie Matthews and Nadine Gordimer were launched to tow the carcass to the Hout Bay Harbour slipway,” Oldham explained.
He added that the operation was carried out in partnership with the City of Cape Town’s Marine Animal Stranding Network and the Department of Environment.
“Dolphins Joined the Tow”
The rescue operation wasn’t just a technical feat; it came with a stunning natural twist.
“A large pod of dolphins accompanied the NSRI crew as they towed the whale carcass to shore,” Oldham revealed.
On Sunday morning, the carcass was loaded onto a truck by the City of Cape Town’s Solid Waste Management team, with assistance from Law Enforcement, the South African Police Services, and the Cape Town Traffic Department.
As the truck made its way through the streets, curious residents stopped to capture photos and videos of the massive creature.
“A Whale Bigger Than Imagination”
For many, the experience was nothing short of surreal.
“This creature is huge,” said Lorraine Gumbo, who saw the whale being transported through Constantia.
“I used to see whales in pictures, but today I finally saw one up close. It is very big,” she added.
Another witness, Siyabonga Bukani, described seeing the truck carrying the whale as he headed to church.
“It’s very big; it filled up a long trailer of a truck,” he said.
“When I saw it in videos, I thought it was something small, but it was probably the size of three elephants. I couldn’t believe these creatures are that big.”
Not the First Incident
This is not the first time a whale carcass has been found along South Africa’s coastline in recent weeks.
Two other humpback whales washed ashore dead on October 15 and November 8, 2024, raising concerns about the potential causes of these strandings.
While it’s not unusual for whales to occasionally strand or die naturally, marine experts continue to investigate whether environmental factors or human activity could be contributing to these incidents.
A Reminder of the Ocean’s Wonders
The presence of such a massive marine mammal in Cape Town’s streets served as a striking reminder of the size and power of ocean life.
It also highlighted the collaborative efforts needed to manage such situations, from marine conservation teams to city waste management authorities.
Social media lit up with reactions to the whale carcass, with many users expressing awe and fascination.
“This has to be one of the craziest things I’ve seen in Cape Town,” wrote one user.
Others pointed to the importance of protecting marine life and ensuring that the ocean remains a safe habitat for whales and other species.
Managing the Aftermath
Once the whale carcass reached its final destination, it was slated for proper disposal by waste management teams.
Handling such a massive creature is no small feat, requiring specialized equipment and coordinated efforts.
Authorities were praised for their quick action and organized response to the situation.
A Rare Encounter
While tragic, the sight of the humpback whale offered Cape Town residents a rare opportunity to witness one of nature’s giants up close.
For many, the experience was both sobering and awe-inspiring.
