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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