Dozens of pilot whales dead after mass stranding in Australia

More than 50 pilot whales have died after stranding on a remote beach in Australia’s west, authorities said on Wednesday, while rescue teams tried to return the rest of the pod back to the waters.

SYDNEY — More than 50 pilot whales have died after stranding on a remote beach in Australia’s west, authorities said on Wednesday, while rescue teams tried to return the rest of the pod back to the waters.

Marine experts and volunteers camped overnight at Cheynes Beach, more than 280 miles southeast of Perth in Western Australia state, after the whales were found washed up near the beach.

“Sadly, 51 whales have died overnight after a mass stranding,” Western Australia Parks and Wildlife Service said in a statement.

Pilot whales stranded on Cheynes Beach, Australia.Cheynes Beach Caravan Park via Facebook“(We) are working in partnership with registered volunteers and other organizations to try to return the remaining 46 whales to deeper water during the course of the day.”

Pilot whales are notorious for their strong social bonds, so when one whale gets into difficulty and strands, the rest usually follow, according to marine experts.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/dozens-pilot-whales-dead-mass-stranding-australia-rcna96370

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