More than 150 false killer whales have been stranded on a remote beach in Tasmania, Australia, with rescue teams working tirelessly to save as many as possible, authorities reported on Wednesday.
According to Tasmania’s environment department, initial assessments indicated that 136 of the stranded dolphins were still alive. The exact cause of the mass beaching remains unknown.
False killer whales, an endangered species, can grow up to 20 feet (6.1 meters) in length and weigh around 3,000 pounds (1,361 kg). Despite their name, they are a species of large dolphins that closely resemble killer whales. They are typically found in deep tropical and subtropical waters across the globe, as noted by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Rescue operations are proving difficult due to the remote location, challenging ocean conditions, and the logistical hurdles of transporting specialized equipment to the site.
The stranding occurred near Arthur River on Tasmania’s northwest coast, approximately 400 km (250 miles) from the state capital, Hobart. Authorities and marine experts are continuing efforts to refloat and guide the surviving dolphins back to deeper waters.
