Advertisement

Over 150 whales found beached in Australian bay, few survive

Click to play video: 'More than 150 whales found beached in Australian bay, few survive'
More than 150 whales found beached in Australian bay, few survive
WATCH ABOVE: Australian Parks and Wildlife Service officers are taking DNA samples of beached whales, after more than 150 were found along the beach of an Australian bay, in an attempt to collect clues about why the animals beached themselves – Mar 23, 2018

More than 150 whales have become stranded in Hamelin Bay in western Australia, and only 15 of them were still alive on Friday, authorities said.

The mammals are believed to be short-finned pilot whales.

The stranded animals were first spotted by a commercial fisherman early on Friday morning.

Stranded whales on the beach at Hamelin Bay are seen in this picture obtained from social media, March 23, 2018, in Australia.
Stranded whales on the beach at Hamelin Bay are seen in this picture obtained from social media, March 23, 2018, in Australia. Leearne Hollowood/via REUTERS

As of Friday afternoon, only 15 whales were alive. A rescue operation was underway to try and herd them back to sea. Authorities say palliative care will be administered where necessary.

Story continues below advertisement

“I think it’s absolutely incredible, I’ve never seen anything like it, seen so many whales beached like this,” said Barrie Brickle, a tourist visiting the area.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

WATCH: Past video coverage of beached whales

A shark alert has been issued by the Fisheries Department as the stranded whales may attract the ocean predators.

“Unfortunately, most of the whales beached themselves on dry land overnight and have not survived,” rescue team leader Jeremy Chick said. “Rescue operations will be hampered by deteriorating weather conditions and we need to ensure the safety of everyone involved before we move the whales.”

The carcasses were being removed from the beach, with Parks and Wildlife Service officers taking DNA samples in an attempt to collect clues about why whales strand.

Story continues below advertisement

In 2009, more than 80 whales and dolphins died on a beach in Hamelin Bay.

The biggest mass stranding of whales in Western Australia happened in 1996 in Dunsborough. That year, 320 long-finned pilot whales beached themselves.

Sponsored content

AdChoices