Tuesday 18 / March / 2025
Australia: All but six of more than 150 short-finned pilot whales that stranded themselves on a beach in Western Australia have died, despite efforts from authorities and local beachgoers to save them, officials said on Saturday, March 24.
The marine mammals stranded themselves in Hamelin Bay, 315 km south of the state's capital, Perth, between March 22 and 23.
Authorities, veterinarians and locals who were visiting the beach attempted to save 15 of the migrating cetaceans in shallow waters, however only seven were able to successfully be placed back in the water, of which one restranded during the night and had to be euthanised. Locals and tourists have been warned to stay out of the water due to a likely increase in sharks attracted by the dead whales. The beach has been temporarily closed while authorities dispose of the deceased whales.
