Marine experts have announced that hopes of rescuing over 150 false killer whales stranded on a remote beach in Tasmania have diminished. The whales were discovered on Tuesday afternoon at an exposed surf beach near the Arthur River, prompting immediate response efforts from veterinarians and marine biologists.
Initially, 157 whales were found stranded, but unfavorable ocean and weather conditions hindered rescue attempts on Wednesday. Despite efforts to refloat two whales, the strong surf prevented them from returning to deeper waters, leading to ongoing restranding. Incident controller Shelley Graham reported that the challenging conditions were expected to persist for several days.
As of Wednesday morning, the number of surviving whales was assessed at 136, but this figure quickly dropped to 90 within hours. The inaccessibility of the beach and difficulties in transporting specialized equipment to the remote area have complicated the rescue operations. Marine biologist Kris Carlyon stated that the decision was made to euthanize the remaining survivors to alleviate their suffering, as all other rescue options had failed.
The stranded whales, some weighing as much as three metric tons, represent the first mass stranding of false killer whales in Tasmania since 1974, when a similar incident occurred involving over 160 whales near Stanley. The reasons behind this latest stranding remain unclear, but officials are examining carcasses for clues. Helicopter reconnaissance confirmed that no other whales were present within a 10-kilometer radius of the stranded pod.
Local resident Jocelyn Flint witnessed the distressing scene, describing how the whales were thrashing in the surf and sinking into the sand. She expressed her sorrow over the situation, particularly for the younger whales among the group. The incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of whale strandings in Tasmania, which have typically involved pilot whales rather than false killer whales.
In recent years, Tasmania has seen several significant whale strandings, including an incident in 2022 where 230 pilot whales were stranded and the largest mass stranding in Australian history in 2020, involving 470 long-finned pilot whales. The causes of these strandings can vary, including disorientation, illness, and environmental factors.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, hoping to learn more about the factors that led to this tragic event while providing support to the affected animals.