Coct Gets Seal Stretchers To Improve Marine Mammal Rescue Efforts

The City of Cape Town has received a generous donation of 10 seal stretchers to assist with the handling and removal of large dead seal carcasses along the city's coastline,

The donation, presented to the City's Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment Eddie Andrews, will also help in rescuing other marine mammals such as dolphins and pygmy sperm whales.

During his visit to Sealand in Hout Bay, Alderman Andrews expressed gratitude for the timely donation, emphasising the critical role these stretchers will play in improving the safety and efficiency of the City's operations.

This is the first time we will be issuing seal stretchers to various teams tasked with removing carcasses from our beaches, Andrews said.

We are very grateful for the donation of these strong seal stretchers from Sealand. Seals are a common sight along our entire coastline, with the two main colonies at Duiker Island and Seal Island. Thousands of seals wash up dead every year, especially after pupping season. This donation will help our staff carry out these important tasks in a safer and more efficient manner, ensuring that the health and safety of both our teams and the marine environment are maintained.