Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Rare Fin Whale Stranding Recorded Along Greater Dyer Island Coast
The Marine Dynamics and Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) teams were alerted on Wednesday, 1 July, by Jason Stafford of Ivanhoe Sea Safaris, who reported a deceased whale close to Gansbaai Harbour. The whale later washed up at Die Plaat, and our team immediately responded to assess the animal and begin documenting the stranding.
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Upon arrival, the team confirmed that the whale was a female fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) of 23 metres, the second-largest whale species on Earth after the blue whale. Fin whales are large baleen whales found in oceans across both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, generally inhabiting offshore and deep-water environments. However, they do move through productive temperate and cooler waters in search of food. They are sleek, fast-moving whales that can reach up to 27 metres in length and weigh more than 70 tonnes (70,000 kilograms). The species is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List following severe global declines caused by industrial whaling.
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According to Wilfred Chivell, Founder of the DICT and CEO of Marine Dynamics Eco Tours, this is the first time he has ever seen a fin whale stranded along the Greater Dyer Island area coast.
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July 3rd, 2026|APSS, DICT, Dyer Island Conservation Trust
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https://dict.org.za/blog/rare-fin-whale-stranding-recorded-along-greater-dyer-island-coast/
The Marine Dynamics and Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) teams were alerted on Wednesday, 1 July, by Jason Stafford of Ivanhoe Sea Safaris, who reported a deceased whale close to Gansbaai Harbour. The whale later washed up at Die Plaat, and our team immediately responded to assess the animal and begin documenting the stranding.
...
Upon arrival, the team confirmed that the whale was a female fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) of 23 metres, the second-largest whale species on Earth after the blue whale. Fin whales are large baleen whales found in oceans across both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, generally inhabiting offshore and deep-water environments. However, they do move through productive temperate and cooler waters in search of food. They are sleek, fast-moving whales that can reach up to 27 metres in length and weigh more than 70 tonnes (70,000 kilograms). The species is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List following severe global declines caused by industrial whaling.
...
According to Wilfred Chivell, Founder of the DICT and CEO of Marine Dynamics Eco Tours, this is the first time he has ever seen a fin whale stranded along the Greater Dyer Island area coast.
...
July 3rd, 2026|APSS, DICT, Dyer Island Conservation Trust
...
https://dict.org.za/blog/rare-fin-whale-stranding-recorded-along-greater-dyer-island-coast/