Rescue efforts underway for about 230 whales beached in Australia

About 230 whales have been stranded on Tasmania’s west coast, just days after 14 sperm whales were found beached on an island off the southeastern coast.

HOBART, Australia — About 230 whales have been stranded on Tasmania’s west coast, just days after 14 sperm whales were found beached on an island off the southeastern coast.

The pod, which is stranded on Ocean Beach, appears to be pilot whales and at least half are presumed to still be alive, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania said Wednesday.

A team from the Marine Conservation Program was assembling whale rescue gear and heading to the area, the department said.

At least half the whales are presumed to still be alive, officials said.Andrew Breen / APA resident told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. the whales were visible near the entrance to Macquarie Harbor and described the stranding as a “massive event.”

David Midson, general manager of the West Coast Council, urged people to stay clear.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/australia-230-whales-beached-tasmania-rcna48686

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