More than 150 false killer whales have stranded on a remote beach in Australia's island state of Tasmania, officials confirmed on Wednesday. The incident occurred near Arthur River on Tasmania's northwest coast, where marine experts, including veterinarians, are currently present, stated the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
Of the 157 beached whales, only 90 were found to be alive, as mentioned by department liaison officer Brendon Clark. "It's heartbreaking," she added. This is not the first such occurrence in Tasmania lately, as back in 2022, 230 pilot whales stranded further south on the west coast at Macquarie Harbor. It is noteworthy that most whale strandings in Tasmania involve pilot whales.
The cause behind the stranding is yet to be determined, and carcasses are going to be examined for possible clues, according to Clark. The experts are working on-site to assess the situation and decide on the most appropriate and humane response. Notably, this is the first recorded false killer whale stranding in Tasmania since 1974, when over 160 whales beached near Stanley on the northwest coast.
The reasons for such strandings could vary, potentially due to disorientation caused by various factors like loud noises, illness, old age, injury, predator evasion, or severe weather. Rescuing the stranded whales presents significant challenges, especially due to the remote location, ocean conditions, and logistical difficulties in transporting necessary equipment to the site.
Arthur River resident Jocelyn Flint described the distressing situation when her son discovered the stranded whales late at night while shark fishing. With the uncertainty of successfully refloating the whales, authorities are yet to determine the best course of action. "Attempting to refloat the animals directly into the surf would be challenging and pose significant safety risks to our staff and personnel," Clark explained.
The community is deeply saddened by the plight of these magnificent creatures, with concerns rising about the fate of the stranded whales. Faced with the size and number of the whales, along with logistical challenges, the rescue efforts are being handled cautiously. Residents and officials share a sense of helplessness as they witness the whales struggling on the remote beach, realizing the difficulties involved in providing aid to these precious marine mammals.
