Only six of over 150 whales survive after mass stranding

MELBOURNE: All but six of more than 150 short-finned pilot whales that stranded themselves on a beach in Western Australia have died, despite efforts from authorities and local beachgoers to save them, officials said.

The marine mammals stranded themselves in Hamelin Bay, 315km south of the state’s capital, Perth, between Thursday and Friday.

Authorities, veterinarians and locals who were visiting the beach attempted to save 15 of the migrating cetaceans in shallow waters, however, only seven were able to successfully be placed back in the water.

A spokesman from Western Australia’s Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions yesterday said one whale beached itself again and had to be euthanised.

So far, the remaining six whales appear to have survived although incident controller Jeremy Chick said they could attempt to beach themselves at another location.

Pilot whales, which are part of the dolphin family, weigh between one and four tonnes each, providing a logistical challenge to local authorities, who are now working on disposing of the carcasses.

While whales regularly get stranded on the coastal strip migrating between Antarctic feeding grounds in the south and warmer northern waters where they raise their young, the large number this time is unusual.

Locals and tourists have been warned to stay out of the water due to a likely increase in sharks attracted by the dead whales.

The beach has been temporarily closed while authorities dispose of the deceased whales.