2018 Year in Review: Whales wash up on Durban beaches
At least two whales washed up on Durban's beaches this year, forcing authorities to ban swimming at the beaches until the carcasses were removed.
In the first incident a juvenile humpback whales, estimated to be between one and two years, washed up near Pipeline beach in Amanzimtoti, south of Durban in August.
The whale died on the beach before authorities could reach the scene.
In the second incident, an adult humpback whale caused major problems for eThekwini officials trying to clear the beaches north of Durban.
The carcass was first seen floating in the surf off Umdloti, north of Durban.
It was then towed out to sea, but washed up on a beach between Umhlanga and Umdloti the following day.
The whale died on the beach before authorities could reach the scene.
In the second incident, an adult humpback whale caused major problems for eThekwini officials trying to clear the beaches north of Durban.
The carcass was first seen floating in the surf off Umdloti, north of Durban.
It was then towed out to sea, but washed up on a beach between Umhlanga and Umdloti the following day.
Strong currents pulled the carcass back into the ocean, dumping the massive animal on the Umhlanga beach near the lighthouse.
WATCH: Strong Durban winds hamper whale carcass recovery
Municipal workers cut up the carcass and disposed of it at a landfill site.The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board said at the time that whale populations are improving along the East Coast, meaning these type of occurrences can be expected more often.
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