Beached whales returned to ocean

OFFICIALS will monitor the Algoa Bay shoreline after at least two Pygmy killer whales beached at the weekend.

National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) officials were informed by Bayworld at about 8pm on Saturday that two whales had beached between Bluewater Bay and St George's Strand.

NSRI spokesman Craig Lambinon said members of the public reportedly helped one whale back into the water while Bayworld staff transport the other back to a holding tank at their facility. He said the NSRI was asked to help release the whale back into the sea yesterday.

Another whale beached yesterday, but it could not be confirmed if it was the same one.

The NSRI's sea rescue craft was used in the release operations five nautical miles off Cape Recife. – Herald Reporter