... tragedy in Aussie waters
Rescuers raced to Hamelin Bay in Western Australia where 150 short-finned pilot whales were stranded after a mass beaching. Unfortunately, most of the whales have died. A rescue operation is underway to save the remaining few which are alive.
SYDNEY: More than 150 whales have become stranded in Hamelin Bay in western Australia, and only 15 of them were still alive, authorities said.
The mammals are believed to be shortfinned pilot whales.
The stranded animals were first spotted by a commercial fisherman early yesterday morning.
By afternoon, only 15 whales were alive.
A rescue operation was underway to try and herd them back to sea. Authorities say palliative care will be administered where necessary.
The saddening scene has seen droves of shocked onlookers arrive at the shoreline in an attempt to help the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) save the animals.
“It becomes an emotive issue and the public will themselves want to get involved,” DBCA incident controller Jeremy Chick said.
Unfortunately, however, the strength of the animals as well as the wet and windy condition have hampered the rescuers’ attempts to move the whales into deeper water.
“The main objectives are to ensure the safety of staff and volunteers, as well as (ensuring) the whales’ greatest chance of survi val,” Chick said.
With many surfers in the area readying for huge swells as a result of tropical Cyclone Marcus further out to sea, the Department of Primary Industries has issued a shark warning and closed every beach in the 20km between Hamelin Bay and Boranup.
“It is possible the dead and dying animals will act as an attractant, which could lead to sharks coming close to shore,” the department warned.
“While it’s not uncommon for sharks to be present off the Western Australia coast throughout the year, people should exercise additional caution until the stranding incident is resolved.”
Strangely, on the same day in 2009, 80 pilot whales and dolphins also became stranded at Hamelin Bay.