Beached False Killer Whales shot in Kommetjie, Cape Town

A group of 55 False Killer Whales beached in the early morning of Saturday May 30th on Kommetjie Beach, south of Cape Town. In the disorganised confusion that ensued, hundreds of volunteers joined forces and moved about 20 whales back to into sea, although many of these kept returning to the beach. Shortly before incoming high tide could perhaps have saved some others, 44 of the now exhausted False Killer Whales were controversially shot by a government official to prevent any further stress and suffering. Divers and volunteers, desperately trying to refloat the whales in the incoming waters, wept as they were rough-handled off the whales by police to the ongoing sound of the gunshots .

Read Deirdre's first hand account, see pictures and share your opinion on this blog:
http://beachedwhalesshotkommetjiecapetown.wordpress.com

See also Stephan Theron's pictures, showing "how strangers can work together to at least try and make a difference" .

See our pictures and why the animals are False Killer Whales, and not Long-finned Pilot Whales. Both species relate closely to the much larger Killer Whale and actually belong to the Dolphin Family. They often don't survive beaching, although a recent Australian success story shows that it is possible to save them under the right circumstances.


Hundreds of volunteers joined forces to move the 55 stranded whales back to into sea. The enormous amount of goodwill and collaboration allowed 20 whales return back to sea although many stranded again. © Callan Cohen & Deirdre Vrancken


A False Killer Whale on the beach and covered with wet blankets and stabilised. © Callan Cohen & Deirdre Vrancken


Only 90 minutes before the high tide arrived, decision makers decided to shoot all the whales. © Callan Cohen & Deirdre Vrancken


Fourty-four False Killer Whales were shot in the head by Mike Meyer of Marine and Coastal Management. © Callan Cohen & Deirdre Vrancken


This boy ran away from a freshly shot whale while more gunshots abound in the background. Authorities advised the public to seek trauma counseling. © Callan Cohen & Deirdre Vrancken


The evening's high tide brings the shot whales afloat. © Callan Cohen & Deirdre Vrancken

For more pictures, please see this blog:
http://beachedwhalesshotkommetjiecapetown.wordpress.com