Mass Stranding on the Tasmanian Coast
More than 150 false killer whales have washed ashore along the Tasmanian coast, putting in motion an environmental rescue program for these animals of massive scale.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Reports from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment indicate that the whales have been stranded for a period between 24 and 48 hours, meanwhile shore experts are on-site providing their assistance. Of 157 stranded whales, 90 were reported alive, while efforts were in progress to ascertain whether they could be successfully returned to the sea.
Problems Facing the Rescue of the Whales
Those working on the rescue said the refloating of the whales was a challenge because of hard access to the shore, rough sea conditions, and logistical problems involved in moving equipment into really remote areas.
False Killer Whales: An Exceptional Species
False killer whales, a dolphin species that resembles true killer whales, grow anywhere from 4.6-6.1 m (15-20 ft) long and commonly weigh between 500 kg (1,100 lb) and 3 mt (3.3 tons).