Beyond News
- Sharks spotted near the coastline
- Whale carcass attracts sharks
- Previous incidents raise concern
- Residents urged to take precautions
- Sharks spotted near the coastline
- Whale carcass attracts sharks
- Previous incidents raise concern
- Residents urged to take precautions
Beachgoers in KuGompo City have been warned to stay out of the water at Gonubie Beach following reports of sharks near the coastline.
Buffalo City Metro closed the beach after several sharks were seen feeding on a dead whale near Black Rock.
The municipality received information about the whale on Monday. It then closed the beach on Tuesday afternoon as a safety measure.
Sharks spotted near the coastline
Municipal spokesperson Luzuko Buko confirmed the incident.
He warned that the disappearance of the whale carcass does not automatically make the water safe.
Sharks could still be swimming in the area. For this reason, the municipality has continued monitoring the situation.
Meanwhile, officials planned to assess conditions on Thursday, 12 November. The assessment will help determine whether the beach is safe for public use.
Whale carcass attracts sharks
Kevin Cole, a principal scientist at the East London Museum, explained that sharks are a natural part of the Eastern Cape coastline.
He said people may notice more sharks during certain times of the year.
Furthermore, dead whales can attract sharks because they provide a source of food.
According to Cole, sharks may leave the area once they have finished feeding. However, their presence near the coastline remains a safety concern.
Previous incidents raise concern
The latest closure comes after other shark-related incidents in KuGompo City.
In October, a 65-year-old woman, Janine Lochrenberg, died following a shark attack at Orient Beach.
Authorities also closed Nahoon Beach temporarily after shark sightings later that month.
These incidents have brought renewed attention to safety at local beaches.
Residents urged to take precautions
With the festive season approaching, beach safety remains an important concern.
The municipality is urging residents and visitors to respect beach closure notices.
Beachgoers should avoid entering the water until authorities confirm that conditions are safe.
Gonubie Beach’s reopening will depend on the outcome of the safety assessment.
ECNewsLive will continue monitoring the situation and provide further updates.
