Over 50 whales die in mass stranding event in Western Australia

Published on: 27 Jul 2023 at 10:15 AM

Published by: thefactnews

The Fact News Service

Canberra [Australia], July 27

More than 50 whales have died in a mass stranding event in Western Australia. Officials and volunteers are now on the move to save dozens others stuck in shallow waters, authorities said on Wednesday, CNN reported.

The Parks and Wildlife Service of Western Australia in a statement on Facebook said a large pod of long-finned pilot whales were spotted on Tuesday morning near the state’s southern coast.

The agency said: “Sadly, 51 whales have died overnight after a mass stranding at Cheynes Beach.” It added that the staff and hundreds of volunteers were trying to save 46 other whales by returning them to deep water.

Video posted on social media shows dozens of the whales – some laying sideways, others on their backs – flapping their tails in shallow waters. Another video shows the whales huddling together, remaining still, as per CNN.

Meanwhile, wildlife officials have urged the public to keep away from the beach, warning against “large, distressed and potentially sick whales, sharks, waves, heavy machinery and vessels.”