Second aggressive seal euthanised in Plettenberg Bay following New Year's day attack
A second seal has been euthanised in Plettenberg Bay after it attacked and injured two people during New Year's celebrations.
Image: Facebook/Bitou Municipality
ANOTHER seal has been euthanised after it attacked and injured two people during New Year’s Day celebrations at Central Beach in Plettenberg Bay.
Bitou municipality said lifeguards on duty reported that a seal entered the swimming area and bit a person in the water.
“Beach Control immediately ordered the evacuation of all bathers from the ocean, as the beach was hosting a mass event at the time.
“Despite these swift actions, a raft/dinghy remained in the backline. The seal returned to the ocean, attacked the raft, and a second person sustained injuries,” the municipality said.
Immediate assistance was provided to both patients. One individual self-transported for medical care, while the second was taken to Mediclinic. Beach Control alerted Mediclinic Emergency in advance to ensure readiness for the arrival of two seal bite victims.
“Beach Control activated the Garden Route Rescue (GRR), who arrived promptly and, in conjunction with shark spotters, located the seal at BI Rocks. Under the authority of Officer Mostert, and with support from GRR and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the seal was euthanised.
"The carcass has been retained for sampling by CapeNature,” the municipality said.
About a week ago, authorities made the decision to euthanise a seal that came ashore in Plettenberg Bay and exhibited rabies symptoms.
Bitou Beach Control observed a seal at the Central Beach launch site displaying erratic behavior.
Marine mammal specialist and GRR member Dr Greg Hofmeyer said at the time: “The animal’s behavior was highly abnormal and consistent with rabies, a fatal disease that poses serious risks to both humans and other animals. Removing the seal was the safest course of action to protect the public and to allow for diagnostic testing."
The public has been urged to remain vigilant when enjoying beaches and to follow lifeguard instructions at all times. Seal incidents can be reported via WhatsApp: 0794634837
Cape Times