Authorities attempt to save 90 whales still alive and stranded on Tasmanian beach

Authorities are racing against time to save 90 false killer whales that remain alive after becoming stranded on a beach in Tasmania’s far north-west.

Tasmania’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment confirmed earlier today that 157 of the whales had been stranded on a beach near Arthur River.

It’s the known first mass stranding of false killer whales in Tasmania in 50 years.

Initial observations showed 136 whales alive, however, the number has dropped to 90.

Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service liaison officer Brendan Clark said the animals had been stranded for between 24 to 48 hours.

“Initial assessments indicate that refloating the whales will be difficult due to the inaccessibility of the site, ocean conditions and the challenge of getting specialised equipment to the remote area,” he said.

“While we have had previous success with mass whale stranding events on the west coast with refloating and rescuing whales, it’s important to note that the environmental and access challenges mean we will be unlikely to use those same rescue techniques.

“Animal welfare will be a priority in this response.” 

Authorities said it was unclear why the animals had been stranded.

Vets and marine biologists were on site to assess the surviving whales, Clark confirmed.

First mass stranding for species in 50 years

Mass whale strandings are not uncommon on Tasmania’s west coast, however authorities confirmed it was the first for false killer whales in Tasmania in 50 years.

Then, about two years later, another 230 whales became stranded on Ocean Beach.

Just 35 animals survived the stranding.