Harbour Authorities Urge Public to “Consider Alternative Explanations”
GORDON’S BAY HARBOUR — The already imaginative fishing culture at the harbour reached new levels of implausibility this week when local fisherman Gert van der Merwe announced he had caught what he described as “definitely not a normal fish”, but rather a mermaid.
The claim was made shortly after sunrise, during what witnesses confirmed was a routine fishing trip involving two hooks, a cooler box and “optimism stronger than the tide.”
“It Was Singing… Then It Was Gone”
According to Gert, the incident began when his line “started pulling with unusual confidence.”
“I thought it was a big steenbras,” he explained.
“But then it started singing. Not loudly… just enough to make me question my entire life.”
He claims the creature surfaced briefly, described as having “long hair, a tail and an attitude about being disturbed before breakfast.”
When asked for clarification, Gert nodded firmly and added:
“I’ve been fishing here 30 years. I know what I saw. Mostly.”
Evidence Remains “Accidentally Unavailable”
As with previous extraordinary harbour claims, physical evidence remains frustratingly scarce.
Gert provided the following explanation for the lack of proof:
The mermaid “slipped back into the water very quickly”
His phone was “in the cooler box for safety”
The moment was “too emotional for photography anyway”
He also noted that his fishing line was “mysteriously untangled afterward,” which he considers further confirmation of the encounter.
Fellow Fishermen Divided, Slightly Impressed
Harbour peers responded with a mix of scepticism and reluctant admiration.
One fisherman commented:
“That’s a strong claim. Even for Gert. And Gert once said he wrestled a dolphin in a windbreaker.”
Another added:
“If it was a mermaid, it’s probably moved on. The gossip here travels faster than the tide.”
Experts Offer Measured Response
Marine biology consultants contacted by Die Helderburger expressed polite doubt, while noting that stress, early mornings and competitive storytelling can sometimes produce “creative interpretations of marine life.”
One researcher stated:
“Mermaid sightings are extremely unlikely. However, fishermen near Gordon’s Bay have historically demonstrated remarkable narrative expansion capabilities.”
Harbour Tourism Booms Overnight
Despite scepticism, the story has already attracted curious visitors hoping for a glimpse of the alleged sea visitor.
Local vendors have responded by stocking:
“Mermaid bait (unverified)”
Glitter-infused fishing hooks
Souvenir mugs reading “I Believed Gert”
One stall owner admitted business has improved significantly:
“We don’t know if it’s real. But we’re not asking questions near peak season.”
Latest Development
Gert maintains his story has not changed under pressure.
“I’m not saying she wanted to be caught,” he clarified.
“I’m just saying she was there… and now she’s not.”
Authorities have classified the incident as “unconfirmed aquatic enthusiasm event” and advised the public to remain cautious of both the sea—and Gert’s upcoming fishing reports. 🐟✨
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