East London fishermen and swimmers have expressed concerns over the safety of the water in several city rivers, saying it is a threat to human, animal and plant life. This week, WhatsApp groups of East London fishermen have been flooded with complaints about smelly water in the Buffalo River, with some saying they had spotted a “green grease” on the surface.
Eastern Cape coastal municipalities are gearing up for the festive season ahead of an expected huge influx of holidaymakers. Buffalo City Metro spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya said the metro expected more than two million visitors and the city’s safety and security plans were already kicking in. “BCM puts plans in place before the festive season to prepare and manage the influx of public to the various beaches, amenities and events,” he said.
A group of dedicated ocean rescuers spent the weekend at Orient Beach and out at sea learning how to safely assist whales that become entangled in life-threatening netting.
East London ocean lovers fought valiantly to save a humpback whale calf that had washed up at Orient Beach on Friday morning.Estimated to be just two days old, the grey whale, with parts of its umbilical cord still attached, had been separated from its mother and in its confusion swam towards the shore.
The annual sardine run has transformed the coastline of Buffalo City into a flurry of ocean life.Whales aren’t the only ones breaching, a bronze whaler shark had been spotted jumping straight out of the water, Southern Cross Cruises co-owner and skipper John Barry said.