Clifton beaches open again, humpback whale carcass removed

The City of Cape Town wants to advise visitors that the Clifton beaches are open again.

The humpback whale carcass has been removed from Clifton 4th with the assistance of SANParks, and several City directorates.

All of the beaches at Clifton are now open again to the public and for bathing after it was closed to remove the carcass.

The whale carcass of approximately 9m washed ashore in the early hours of this morning. The National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment was notified and collected samples and measurements for scientific analysis.

The cause of death is uncertain, but it is likely to be natural. A large pod of humpbacks has been visiting the Atlantic seaboard since November and this is the second to wash ashore. On December 9 an 8m carcass washed ashore at Sea Point.

The carcass was removed from the sea with the help of a large vessel at high tide. It was towed off the beach to the Oceana Power Boat Club where it was loaded and is now being transported to the Vissershok landfill.

The City wants to thank the public for their co-operation and support during this operation.