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The National Sea Rescue Institute in Cape Town thanked concerned members of the public who rushed to the aid of a stranded swordfish on Gordons Bay Beach this week.
Spokesperson Craig Lambinon said the city's Marine Animal Stranding Network asked for their assistance on Tuesday evening.
According to Lambinon, Good Samaritans had attempted to get the swordfish back out to sea during the high tide peak after it beached in shallow surf during the turn of the tide.
Rescue attempts were unsuccessful as the fish continued to beach itself.
A crew from NSRI Gordons Bay, Gordons Bay SAPS patrol officers, and Law Enforcement assisted in protecting the beached animal.
" The swordfish, sadly unable to be returned to the ocean, has been removed for Department of Environment scientific study.
"It is unknown what caused the swordfish to beach itself although we suspect ill health.
"The public members on the scene are commended for trying their best to save the animal," said Lambinon.
