CoCT performs joint operation to remove 35-ton whale carcass
The City of Cape Town (CoCT) recently joined the National Sea Rescue Institute to remove and dispose of a 35-ton whale carcass in Hout Bay.
Whale carcass removed in Hout Bay
The City of Cape Town recently partook in a joint operation with the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Hout Bay Station to successfully remove and dispose of a 35-ton whale carcass from Hout Bay.
The whale carcass was first spotted early on Saturday morning, 16 November, floating off Kommetjie towards the coast, and the decision was swiftly made to tow the carcass to the Hout Bay slipway using a specialised vessel provided by the NSRI Hout Bay Station.
A challenging process
Once at the slipway, the City’s Urban Waste Management: Specialised Equipment Services (SES) team, Traffic Services and the Corporate Fleet Management team took over to execute the challenging task of loading the carcass for transport to the Vissershok Landfill.
Traffic Services then assisted with traffic control while the carcass was on route, ensuring civilian vehicles were kept at a safe distance.
“After reaching the landfill, the Disposal team followed the protocol for trenching and it was safely disposed by the staff on site. A trench had been dug in anticipation of the whale’s arrival, but had to be widened and lengthened significantly due to the size of the animal. The massive creature measured 14,3m; too big to be weighed on the landfill weighbridge, but is estimated to weigh-in at around 35 tons.” the City said.
“This was a complex and challenging operation, but thanks to the excellent coordination between the City and the NSRI, we were able to ensure the safe removal of the whale carcass with minimal disruption to the local community and environment.” Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Alderman Grant Twigg said.