Dozens of whales have died after several pods washed up on the shore of a beach on the coast of Western Australia.
Marine wildlife experts, including wildlife officials, marine scientists and veterinarians, desperately tried to save stranded pilot whales Thursday in shallow waters in Toby Inlet in Geographe Bay.
Pilot whales were stranded on a beach in Western Australia. Photo: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions via AP
Four pods of up to 160 pilot whales in total were spread out over about 500 meters along the beach near the town of Dunsborough, in a region popular with tourists.
More than 100 of those who ran aground returned to the sea, while 31 died, a researcher said.
People tried to help keep the whales alive. Photo: Dunsborough and Busselton Wildlife Care via Reuters
“There were over 200 along the beach here and nearby and I think there are 31 deceased, but the rest escaped, which is an amazing story,” Ian Wiese told Australian Broadcasting Corp.
“When I first arrived, there were, I think, 160 in the water – almost out of the water – and there were a couple of hundred people who were with the whales, they were trying to comfort them and make sure their heads were out of the water to that they could breathe.
“And then after about an hour, suddenly those in the water who were still alive left and headed out to sea,” Mr Wiese said.
“They might decide to come back to shore at some other nearby beach or something; that happens a lot, but we’re hopeful they won’t,” he added.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions confirmed the rescue.
In his latest update on Facebook, he said 28 whales that had been stranded on the beach had died.
“An observation plane has been in the sky looking for the capsule that swam out to sea,” the post said.
“There have been no further sightings of the capsule this afternoon, which is good news.
“The observation plane will continue to monitor the area during daylight hours, but we are hopeful that the capsule will not return to shallower waters.”
Read more from Sky News:
Dolphin found shot to death on the beach
Horses locked up in “serious condition”
In July of last year, 51 pilot whales died after about 100 washed ashore at Cheynes Beach.
The state experienced its largest whale stranding in Dunsborough in 1996, when 320 pilot whales were involved in a mass stranding.
According to the University of Western Australia, pilot whales are known for their close social bonds, so when one gets into trouble and becomes stranded, the rest usually follow.