470 whales stranded, many feared dead, in one Australia’s biggest beachings

Rescuers working to save a pod of whales

Credit: AFP

In 1996, 320 pilot whales washed up on the coast of Western Australia, in what was then reported to be the country’s biggest mass stranding.

About 600 pilot whales beached in nearby New Zealand in 2017. Pilot whales are a species of oceanic dolphin that grow to 7 metres (23 ft) long and can weigh up to 3 tonnes.

Of the remaining 270 stranded whales off Tasmania, at least 90 have died and rescuers have set free about 25 since arriving on Monday at the site about 200 kms (120 miles) northwest of the state capital Hobart.

Rescuers face a race against time to save the whales 

Credit: AFP

The team of about 65 state park workers, fishermen and volunteers hoped to free more whales on Wednesday, a process which involves wading waist-deep in freezing water, attaching slings to the animals and guiding them out of the harbour with a boat.

"We’re not at a point where we’re considering euthanasia … but it is always something that we have at the back of our mind," said Kris Carlyon, a wildlife biologist with the state government conservation agency.

"We’re all optimistic about getting more off today. We’re still very hopeful."