Motorists experienced a sombre sight over the weekend as a dead humpback whale was transported by truck through Constantia from Hout Bay to Vissershok.
While oversized loads typically fascinate road users, this one left a heavy impression, particularly on animal lovers.
The whale, measuring 14.8 metres in length and weighing around 35 tonnes, was discovered dead off the Kommetjie coastline early Saturday morning.
Fearing the carcass would wash ashore and cause complications, Cape Town authorities enlisted the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) to tow it to Hout Bay harbour for safe disposal.
“It took most of Saturday to tow the carcass to Hout Bay, where it was dragged up the slipway and left overnight. Early Sunday, it was loaded onto a flatbed truck for transport to the Vissershok landfill site,” explained City of Cape Town coastal manager Gregg Oelofse.
The unusual cargo moved through Constantia on Sunday morning, creating significant delays as traffic came to a halt near Constantia Nek.
Many motorists expressed sadness at witnessing the lifeless marine giant.
Watch: Massive Eskom abnormal load on R511, North West
“This was no ordinary load. Transporting a 35-tonne whale required meticulous planning and careful handling,” Oelofse added.
While the operation was successfully completed within 36 hours, the sombre journey through the city left many reflecting on the fragility of marine life in South African waters.
Watch the video below:
Do you have more on this story? Click to WhatsApp us. Anonymity guaranteed.
