Story perspectives

Ship reroutes double, spiking whale collisions off South Africa coast

5/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Scientists warn that PortWatch data show commercial vessels rerouted around Africa have doubled to 89 in March-April 2026, raising whale-ship collision risk off South Africa’s southwestern coast.
Professor Els Vermeulen’s team overlaid whale distribution with shipping routes, finding most strikes occur deep offshore and cause cryptic mortality with few surface signs.
Vermeulen suggested adjusting routes, imposing seasonal speed limits, and called for additional funding for systematic offshore surveys.

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Story summary

Scientists warn that PortWatch data show commercial vessels rerouted around Africa have doubled to 89 in March-April 2026, raising whale-ship collision risk off South Africa’s southwestern coast.
Professor Els Vermeulen’s team overlaid whale distribution with shipping routes, finding most strikes occur deep offshore and cause cryptic mortality with few surface signs.
Vermeulen suggested adjusting routes, imposing seasonal speed limits, and called for additional funding for systematic offshore surveys.