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Cryptid

Trunko

A massive white creature battled two killer whales off South Africa. It had a trunk like an elephant. It washed ashore and was measured at 47 feet. Then it vanished back to sea.

1924
Margate Beach, South Africa
100+ witnesses

Trunko was a sea creature reportedly seen battling killer whales and washing ashore in South Africa in 1924.

The Sighting

According to documented accounts:

In 1924:

  • Witnesses saw a creature fighting orcas
  • Off Margate Beach, South Africa
  • The battle lasted three hours
  • The creature was white and furry
  • It had a trunk-like appendage

Description

Witnesses described:

  • 47 feet long
  • White fur covering body
  • Lobster-like tail
  • Trunk like an elephant
  • No visible blood during battle

The Carcass

After the fight:

  • The creature washed ashore
  • It remained for 10 days
  • No scientists examined it
  • It was measured by locals
  • Then washed back out to sea

Explanations

Proposed identities:

  • Decomposed whale (blob)
  • Giant squid
  • Unknown species
  • Whale tissue (most likely)
  • Actually unknown creature

The Photographs

In 2010:

  • Old photographs emerged
  • Showed a white mass on beach
  • Consistent with decomposed whale
  • Or something truly unknown
  • Debate continues

Mystery Status

The case remains uncertain:

  • No specimens collected
  • Limited documentation
  • Photographs ambiguous
  • True identity unknown

Sources