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Rescue Efforts Abandoned for Stranded False Killer Whales in Tasmania
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) – Authorities have announced that hopes of rescuing over 150 false killer whales stranded on a secluded beach in Tasmania have dimmed. The distressing situation unfolded on a surf beach near Arthur River, where a total of 157 whales were found on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
A team of marine specialists, including veterinarians, was dispatched to evaluate the situation. However, the challenging ocean conditions have hindered rescue attempts, with officials predicting that these adverse weather patterns are expected to continue for several days. Incident controller Shelley Graham stated, “Despite our efforts to refloat two whales today, unfavorable ocean conditions have forced us to cease attempts as they prevent the animals from making it past the breaking surf.”
Graham described the heart-rending scene, indicating that the whales have repeatedly washed back ashore after brief attempts at rescue. Meanwhile, marine biologist Kris Carlyon revealed that the existing few that appear to be alive will likely have to be euthanized. He explained, “The longer these animals remain stranded, the more they suffer. We have exhausted all other options without success.”
Initially reported as having 136 survivors, the count quickly decreased to just 90 within hours as the reality of the situation set in. The response efforts are complicated by the remote location of the incident, persistent ocean difficulties, and the challenge of transporting necessary specialized equipment to the area.
The stranded whales are notably heavy, with smaller individuals weighing around 500 kilograms (approximately 1,100 pounds) and adults reaching up to 3 metric tons (about 3.3 U.S. tons). Despite their name, false killer whales hold the distinction of being among the larger members of the dolphin family.
Brendon Clark, a liaison officer for the department, noted that a similar incident involving false killer whales had not occurred in Tasmania since 1974. The previous stranding involved a pod of over 160 near Stanley, with pilot whales typically accounting for most strandings in the region.
While the precise cause of the whales’ beaching remains uncertain, an examination of deceased carcasses will be conducted to uncover any potential clues. Clark shared that a helicopter reconnaissance mission Tuesday showed no additional whales within a 10-kilometer (6-mile) radius of the stranded group, indicating some may have been beached for up to 48 hours by Wednesday morning.
Local resident Jocelyn Flint recounted her experience discovering the stranded whales during a midnight fishing excursion, stating the enormity of the situation made rescue attempts futile. “The water was surging and they were thrashing,” she lamented. “They’re succumbing to the sand. I think it’s too late.”
In 2022, a separate incident saw 230 pilot whales stranded further south at Macquarie Harbor. The largest known stranding in Australian history occurred in 2020 with 470 long-finned pilot whales entangled on sandbars, resulting in the deaths of most affected whales.
The causes behind such mass beachings are speculated to stem from various factors, such as disorientation from loud noises, health issues, old age, injuries, fleeing predators, or severe weather conditions.
