Dozens of whales die on Tasmanian beach
HOBART, Australia, Nov. 30 -- All of the dozens of pilot whales found beached on the Tasmanian coast this weekend have died, officials said Sunday.
Authorities learned Saturday that 80 to 100 long-finned pilot whales were stranded on a rocky shore of Sandy Cape on Tasmania's west coast, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported. A parks and wildlife crew sent to survey the scene by helicopter said about a dozen were still clinging to life at that time.
However, by a full rescue team reached the remote location Sunday morning all of the maritime mammals had died, ABC reported.
"The animals were quite badly battered," said Chris Arthur of Parks and Wildlife.
About 16 more whales thought to be from the same pod were seen swimming nearby.
The mass whale beachings were the second in a week. More than 60 pilot whales died at Anthony's Beach on Tasmania's northwest coast. (UPI)