Kitesurfer arrested after allegedly getting within metres of whale and calf at Christies Beach
Witnesses looked on in shock on Saturday morning as a kitesurfer got within metres of a whale and calf at Christies Beach. A man has since been charged with molestation of a protected animal.
Police & Courts
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A man has been arrested after allegedly kitesurfing within metres of a whale and calf at Christies Beach.
A crowd of witnesses watched in shock as a man circled the whales in the water at least three times on Saturday morning.
A Toorak Gardens woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said she watched the incident.
“The kitesurfer started on the beach and went straight to the whales,” she said.
“He started circling them, at least three times … he went super close.
“It’s just annoying because it happened yesterday (Friday) too.”
Multiple witnesses called police, who attended about 10.15am and collected photographs to get a description of the kitesurfer.
They also received reports a similar incident happened on Friday.
An Old Reynella man, 32, was arrested and charged with two counts of molestation of protected animal, and failing to keep a prescribed distance from a protected animal.
He was bailed to appear in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court in August.
Under the National Parks and Wildlife Act, personal watercraft is restricted from operating within 100m of a whale, and must not be within 300m of a whale with a calf.
“Respect marine mammals and keep them safe,” a police spokesperson said.
“Never feed or harass marine mammals, it is illegal and it harms the animal.”
Kitesurfing South Australia put out a statement on Saturday, saying it was made aware of the incident on Friday as well as Saturday at Christies Beach.
“Whales are majestic creatures and whilst the temptation to get up close and personal is strong we must also respect rationale and protection around this endangered species,” the statement said.
“We remind South Australian kitesurfers to be aware that our actions are constantly under scrutiny and that responsible use of our waters is crucial for the health of our sport and maintaining our access.”
The organisation was in communication with the kitesurfer and said he was very apologetic of his actions and has agreed to give the whales their space.
The Department of Environment and Wildlife has been contacted for comment.
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