Beachgoers at Strand Beach were urged to keep their distance from a seal after it bit a bodyboarder on Thursday morning. The woman was treated in hospital, and part of the beach was cordoned off after the seal came ashore.
Cape fur seal / Hongbin / Unsplash / Illustrative purposes only
The woman was reportedly bitten behind the knee at around 06:45 while bodyboarding. She later sought medical treatment at Busamed Paardevlei Private Hospital, where she received a preventative rabies injection as a precaution.
The incident has raised concerns about beachgoer safety, particularly after the animal reportedly continued approaching swimmers before eventually making its way onto the sand.
Eyewitness Jako de Wet was swimming with his wife and daughter during their usual early-morning routine when the attack unfolded. He said the seal turned towards his family shortly after biting the bodyboarder, appearing aggressive as it approached them.
‘It was coming towards us and seemed aggressive. I managed to chase it away.’
– Jako de Wet.
The animal reportedly continued approaching other swimmers, although nobody else was bitten. Following the disturbance, the seal moved out of the water and settled on the beach.
Authorities were called to assess the animal
Lisa Starr, founder of the Helderberg Ocean Awareness Movement, was among those who observed the seal at the scene. She expressed concern about its apparent condition, describing it as a large animal that did not look healthy.
‘It definitely does not look well. It’s a massive creature.’
– Lisa Starr, founder of the Helderberg Ocean Awareness Movement
The City of Cape Town‘s Coastal Management department was reportedly on its way to assess the situation and determine how best to manage the animal. A safety perimeter has since been established around the seal, with beachgoers and curious onlookers being kept at a distance.
Why beachgoers should keep their distance
Although seals are a familiar sight along the Western Cape coastline, encounters with them should never be treated as harmless opportunities for a closer look. An animal that appears distressed or unwell can behave unpredictably, and attempting to approach, touch or chase it can put both people and the seal at risk.
The preventative rabies injection administered to the injured bodyboarder also highlights the health precautions associated with seal bites. Beachgoers at Strand are advised to respect the cordoned-off area while authorities assess the situation.
The incident remains under investigation, and the City expects to release further information as it responds.
Originally published via Cape {town} Etc
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