Australian rescuers save 25 of 270 stranded whales, rescue efforts continue

Agencies. Updated: 9/22/2020 6:50:22 PM World

More than 60 people are involved in the rescue effort, including local fishermen and volunteers

Sydney: Rescuers set free around 25 whales on Tuesday that were marooned on a sandbar off the remote West coast of Tasmania in one of Australia’s worst beaching events and hope to save more in coming days.

Government scientists said about 90 of the 270-strong pod of pilot whales had died since they were spotted from the air in shallow water off the rugged coastline on Monday.

Footage showed large numbers of the animals prone on a wide sandbar at Macquarie Harbour, about 200 km (120 miles) northwest of the state capital Hobart, while others floundered in slightly deeper water.
Rescue efforts to save whales stranded on a sandbar take place at Macquarie Harbour, near Strahan, Tasmania, Australia, September 22, 2020. AAP Image/The Advocate Pool, Brodie Weeding via REUTERS

Rescuers had to get in the icy water to attach the whales, a species of oceanic dolphin that grows to 7 metres (23 ft) long and can weigh up to 3 tonnes, to slings and then guide the animals as boats dragged them out to deeper water.

“We settled on a method where we get a sling placed under the whale, that’s attached to a boat (and) we also have a crew in the water,” said Nic Deka, a regional manager of Tasmania’s Parks and Wildlife Service, at a news conference.
Pilot whales lie stranded on a sand bar near Strahan, Australia on September 21, 2020. AP/PTI

More than 60 people are involved in the rescue effort, including local fishermen and volunteers. They wore wetsuits and were working in shifts to prevent hypothermia.

Scientists do not know why whales, which travel together in pods, sometimes beach themselves but they are known to follow a leader, as well as gather around an injured or distressed whale.

Kris Carlyon, a wildlife biologist with the state government conservation agency, said rescuers would give a new estimate of how many whales had died on Wednesday, but expected to free the remaining animals at a higher rate.
A pod of whales, believed to be pilot whales, is seen stranded on a sandbar at Macquarie Harbour, near Strahan, Tasmania, Australia, September 21, 2020. AAP Image/The Advocate Pool, Brodie Weeding via REUTERS

“We’re dealing with large, distressed animals, for several days at a time, and it does take an emotional toll sometimes,” Carlyon said, adding: “This is a natural event so we can accept that we’re going to lose some animals. We’re focusing on having as many survivors as we can.”


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