Australia: Nearly 200 pilot whales die on Tasmania's west coast after being stranded

Nearly 200 whales have died after becoming stranded on a beach on Tasmania's west coast. As per rescuers, some 35 whales are alive and warned of difficult rescue efforts.

Brendon Clark, the operating manager said, "We have got about 35 surviving animals out on the beach and the primary focus this morning will be on the rescue and release of these animals," AFP reported.

According to the department of natural resources, the whales were stuck near the harbour entrance, more popularly known as Hells gates. "A pod of approximately 230 whales is stranded near Macquarie Harbour. It appears about half of the animals are alive," the department earlier said in a statement.

It further said that Environment Tasmania Marine Conservation Programme (MCP) was working on assembling the whale rescue gear and heading to the location which is far from the mainland.

Remarking that whales are a protected species, the department added that 'even once deceased, it is an offence to interfere with a carcass'.

The locals in an effort to keep the whales alive until professional assistance came, covered somewith blankets and soaked them with buckets of seawater. However, despite these efforts, over 300 whales have died in Tasmania so far.

Various aerial images of numerous glossy black mammals were captured who were stranded on the end of the beach.

An unfortunate coincidence

It is pertinent to note that two years ago on September 21, the same date as today, one of Australia's worst mass whale stranding incidents was recorded. At the time, over 470 pilot whales were stranded in the region.

An elaborate rescue operation was launched at the time as well. And while 111 whales were saved, 350 lost their lives, leaving the humongous task of disposing of their carcasses.

A beluga whale died in France

As reported by WION, in August, a beluga whale strayed into the polluted Seine river in France, away from its natural habitat of the frigid cold waters of the Arctic.

The protected species animal was stuck in the river which flows through Paris to the channel. Despite the authorities attempting to guide the whale, it wasn't able to find its way

Eventually, the white mammal died after a week, having starved and become excessively thin.

(With inputs from agencies)

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