Australia: 160 pilot whales stranded on beach on west coast

Almost 100 long-finned pilot whales died or were euthanized after a two-day rescue operation last July.

Up to 160 long-finned pilot whales beached on the western Australian coast Thursday morning, with at least 26 dying before wildlife authorities could launch a rescue operation, officials said.

A team of wildlife officers, marine scientists, and veterinarians arrived at Toby's Inlet, near the tourist town of Dunsborough, according to a statement from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions.

According to the agency, the stranded whales came from four pods distributed across 500 metres (1,640 feet) of coast. Another 20 whales were found in a pod 1.5 kilometres (nearly a mile) offshore, while 110 whales formed a pod closer to the shoreline, according to the report.

Almost 100 long-finned pilot whales died or were euthanized after a two-day rescue operation last July in a huge stranding on Cheynes Beach near Albany, a former whaling station 355 kilometres (220 miles) southeast of Dunsborough.

Dunsborough is 285 kilometres (177 miles) by car south of Perth, Western Australia's capital and largest city.

Based on prior strandings, like the Cheynes Beach occurrence last year, the agency stated that euthanizing the beached whales is usually the most humane option. "We always hope for the best outcome," the statement read.

Pia Courtis, a regional wildlife officer, said the whales were suspected to have become stuck early Thursday. She added the pod of 110 whales was "sticking together offshore" and was likely to approach the shoreline.

Officials had previously advised the public not to attempt to rescue the whales on their own.

Video Credit: Associated Press

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