A remote beach in Australia’s Tasmanian state has become the scene of a devastating mass stranding of false killer whales. Experts have given up hope on rescuing over 150 of the marine mammals, which were found stranded on the exposed surf beach near Arthur River.
According to officials, unfavorable ocean and weather conditions prevented a rescue attempt on Wednesday, with only two whales successfully relocated but ultimately failing to refloat due to the harsh conditions. The situation worsened throughout the day, with the number of survivors revised from 136 to 90 within hours.
The stranding is believed to be the first by false killer whales in Tasmania since 1974, a time when a pod of over 160 whales landed on a beach near Stanley. Marine experts attribute the incident to unknown reasons, which may include disorientation caused by loud noises, illness, old age, injury, or severe weather.
Local residents expressed sadness and concern for the stranded animals, including those with young calves who are likely to succumb to their ordeal. As in previous incidents of mass strandings, most of the beached whales have perished due to the circumstances under which they washed up on shore.
The incident highlights the complexities and challenges involved in rescuing marine mammals, particularly in remote areas where specialist equipment may not be readily available.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/australia-tasmania-false-killer-whales-stranded-aa55e662e9d33fe0962dda7144d2e3aa