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19 Aug 2023

Whale hacked to death on Port Durnford beach

Tamlyn Head (Zululand Observer) Picture: Supplied. This humpback whale washed ashore at Port Durnford and was reportedly hacked for its meat while still alive

A large humpback whale washed ashore at Port Durnford beach on Thursday. This was the second whale stranding in the province in just a few days, after another one, believed to be a juvenile, washed ashore at uMhlanga beach earlier in the week.

Video confirmation, however, showed that the Port Durnford whale was hacked for its meat while it was still alive.

While little is known as to the cause of the stranding, some believe the whale may have been hit by a propellor, given the round injuries on its skin.

The Zululand Observer has been reliably informed that carcass removal falls under the jurisdiction of the local municipality.

As the whale did not wash up on a designated swimming beach, the carcass will likely remain where it is.