The python that caused a stir
Image: Facebook/Nick Evans
Durban snake catcher, Nick Evans, has unpacked the real story behind the python spotted swimming at sea.
Last week, a video went viral on social media showing a snake swimming out at sea.
Taking to social media, Evans explained that the snake was spotted by Dwayne Boshoff and his father, who were competing in a fishing competition.
"To their disbelief, they spotted the snake swimming about 2.5km out at sea.
"The father and son team didn't hesitate, and hurried into action. Mr. Boshoff got the boat close enough, while Dwayne, who is not a seasoned snake-catcher, brilliantly scooped the snake out of the water, securing the sharp end and supporting the body," he said.
Evans said the men, who obviously had no plans to catch a python that day, were without a snake bucket, and put the reptile in the hatch of the boat.
Boshoff's brother, Dean, contacted Evans for assistance.
The snake captured at a Durban beach
Image: Facebook/Nick Evans
Dwayne Boshoff and the snake
Image: Facebook/Nick Evans
Carla Evans with the celebrity python
Image: Facebook/Nick Evans
Dwayne Boshoff with Carla and Nick Evans and the snake inside the snake box
Image: Facebook/Nick Evans
Evans said that the boat's design meant it could not come ashore, so he and his wife, Carla, had to walk into the water to get the snake.
"We started walking in with Dwayne and Dean, while every wave seemed to enjoy hitting us. We thought we were going about waist-deep. We went a lot deeper than that! Finally, we were pulled onto the boat by Mr Boshoff, and drove out to calmer waters," Evans said.
He said when the hatch was opened, Carla reached in to grab the snake.
"The python is a minimum of 2.5m, probably more actually, and is a male in good condition.Dwayne swam with our python box, so we put it in there," Evans said.
He said they jumped into the water and had to swim while pulling the floating box, containing the snake.
Evans said one safely on land, the snake was assessed and washed with fresh water.
He said that there were no definitive answers for how the snake ended up at sea.
"It could have been well hidden in of the dozens of boats, or it could have swam across a river and ended up in the sea. Unfortunately, we'll never know," Evans said.
Evans has thanked the Boshoffs for their act of bravery and kindness.