PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Two people were bitten by a seal at Central Beach on New Year’s Day during an incident at an event packed with bathers, Bitou Municipality has confirmed.
In a statement Bitou Communications Manager Andile Namntu said during New Year’s Day celebrations at Central Beach, “an unexpected and aggressive seal incident occurred at approximately 17:30”. This is the second seal incident in the past week at Central Beach.
On 27 December a seal displaying erratic behaviour was observed and later euthanised and lifeguards cleared the water. On that day there were no injuries.
Namntu said on New Year’s Day 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,” said Namntu.
Namntu said Superintendent John Prins and Bitou lifeguards provided immediate assistance to both patients.
One individual self-transported for medical care, while the second was taken to Mediclinic by Prins. Beach Control alerted Mediclinic Emergency in advance to ensure readiness for the arrival of two seal bite victims.
The statement said Beach Control activated the Garden Route Rescue (GRR), who arrived promptly and, in conjunction with shark spotters, located the seal at Beacon Isle Rocks.
“Under the authority of Officer (Anton) Mostert, and with support from GRR and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the seal was euthanised,” said Namntu.
The carcass has been retained for sampling by CapeNature.
He “sincerely thanked” the Plettenberg Bay Community Police Forum (PBCPA) for their assistance in crowd control during this “challenging incident”.
Namntu said the safety of residents and visitors remained Bitou’s highest priority.
“ We commend the professionalism and courage of our lifeguards, Beach Control, GRR, shark spotters, and supporting agencies who acted swiftly under difficult circumstances.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant when enjoying our beaches and to follow lifeguard instructions at all times." People are asked to report all seal incidents to the WhatsApp number 079 463 4837.
“We appeal to the public to avoid the seals and not to hit or harm them as this is cruelty to animals and is a punishable offence,” he said.
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