RESCUERS RUSH TO SAVE STRANDED PILOT WHALES

Rescuers set free around 25 whales on Tuesday that were marooned on a sandbar off the remote west coast of Tasmania in one of Australia's worst beaching events, and hope to save more in coming days.

Government scientists said about 90 of the 270-strong pod of pilot whales have died since they were spotted from the air in shallow water off the rugged coastline on Monday.

Footage showed large numbers of the animals prone on a wide sandbar at Macquarie Harbour, about 200 kms northwest of the state capital Hobart, while others floundered in slightly deeper water.

Rescuers had to get in the icy water to attach the whales, a species of oceanic dolphin that grow to 7 metres long and can weigh up to 3 tonnes, to slings and then guide the animals as boats dragged them out to deeper water.

AAP IMAGE / THE ADVOCATE POOL / BRODIE WEEDING VIA REUTERS Rescuers race to save whales stranded on a sandbar at Macquarie Harbour, near Strahan, Tasmania, on Tuesday.