160 Pilot Whales Stranded on Australian Coast and 26 Died – NBC Boston

Up to 160 long-finned pilot whales became stranded on Australia’s west coast on Thursday and at least 26 died before wildlife authorities could begin a rescue effort, officials said.

A team of conservationists, marine scientists and veterinarians responded to the scene at Toby’s Inlet near the tourist town of Dunsborough, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions said in a statement.

The beached whales came from four groups spread over 500 meters of coastline, the department said.

Another 20 whales were in a group about a mile offshore and 110 whales formed a group closer to the beach, the report said.

“Our team is committed to responding safely and keeping volunteers and staff safe, while also acting in the best interests of the whales,” the sad statement said.

“Our team is assessing the conditions of the whales stranded on the beach. Our water teams are working to keep the animals together and away from the beach,” the statement said.

Nearly 100 long-finned pilot whales died or were euthanized after a two-day rescue attempt last July during a mass stranding on Cheynes Beach near the former Albany whaling station, 355 kilometers (220 miles) southeast of Dunsborough.

Dunsborough is located 285 kilometers (177 miles) by road south of Perth, the capital and largest city of the state of Western Australia.

Based on previous strandings, including last year’s Cheynes Beach event, euthanizing the stranded whales is usually the most humane outcome, the department said.

“We always hope for the best outcome,” the statement said.

Regional conservation officer Pia Courtis said the whales were stranded early Thursday.

She said the pod of 110 whales was “sticking together offshore” and was likely heading towards the beach.

“Unfortunately, the outcome for our pilot whales once they are stranded on the beach is generally not good. We have large numbers of animals that end up dying,” Courtis said in a video statement.

Officials had previously urged the public not to try to save the whales on their own.

“We know people want to help, but we have asked people to please not attempt to rescue the animals without direction from DBCA staff as this could cause further harm and discomfort to the animals and hinder a coordinated rescue effort,” the statement said. Parks and Wildlife This was reported by the Service of Western Australia in a statement.