At least 51 pilot whales die after mass strading at Western Australian beach

Atleast 51 pilot whales have died, hours after being stranded on a remote beach in Western Australia. Despite marine experts andvolunteers attempting to return the pod of 70-odd whales back to the waters overnight, their efforts yielded no result.

"Sadly, 51 whales have died overnight after a mass stranding," Western Australia Parks and Wildlife Service said in a statement. "(We) are working in partnership with registered volunteers and other organisations to try to return the remaining 46 whales to deeper water during the course of the day."

The incident took place at Cheynes Beach, located more than 450 kilometres southeast of Perth. Initial reports after the

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According to initial reports, the marine mammals came up to the beach, started swimming onto the sand, beating their tails, flailing around and lining up side by side.

The mass stranding at the beach has forced the state authorities to launch a shark alert.

"It is possible dead and injured animals will act as an attractant that could lead to sharks coming close into the shore along this stretch of coast," the state government's Shark Smart states, according to the Australian news outlet.

"While it's not uncommon for sharks to be present off the Western Australian coast throughout the year, people should exercise additional caution.

"Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, along with staff from other agencies, are monitoring the situation and providing advice to relevant authorities."

Experts are unsure what caused the pilots to beach.

The state’s Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is now “leading a response and managing the incident”.

State’s Park and Wildlife Service told 7News that its staff is at the beach and will maintain a presence overnight to monitor the welfare of the whales.

“A team of experienced staff are currently being deployed, including Perth Zoo veterinarians and marine fauna experts, along with specialised equipment, including vessels and slings,” the service said.

“Our team will camp on the beach overnight and are setting up a safety zone around the stranding area. At this time, volunteers and the public are requested to not attend the beach overnight for their safety.”

Local media reports point out that Western Australia has a history of whale stranding events.

In 2005, 19 whales beached at Geographe Bay. In 2018, more than 130 whales died in a mass stranding at Hamelin Bay, south of Perth.

The largest mass stranding of whales in WA happened in 1996 when 320 long-finned pilot whales stranded themselves in Dunsborough.

(With inputs from agencies)

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