More than 100 long-finned pilot whales that became beached on the western Australian coast on Thursday have successfully returned to the sea, while 31 tragically perished on the shore, according to a whale researcher.
Ian Wiese, a researcher, joined a large group of volunteers who assisted in the rescue efforts at Toby’s Inlet near the tourist town of Dunsborough.
Wiese described the scene, noting the significant number of whales stranded along the beach and nearby areas. Despite the loss of 31 whales, he expressed relief that the majority of them managed to make their way back to the ocean, which he described as an "amazing story." Volunteers worked tirelessly to comfort the distressed animals and ensure they could breathe properly.
While the immediate threat to the whales has passed, there is still concern that they may return to shore or encounter further difficulties. However, there is hope that they will remain at sea.
Official confirmation of the successful rescues is pending from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
Earlier reports indicated that a team of wildlife officers, marine scientists, and veterinarians had observed 26 dead whales among up to 160 stranded on the shore. Additional pods of whales were spotted offshore, prompting concerns about their potential return to the beach.
Regional wildlife officer Pia Courtis expressed the unfortunate reality that stranded whales often face grim outcomes, with high mortality rates once they come ashore. Despite rescue efforts, the sheer number of stranded whales presents significant challenges.
This incident is reminiscent of a mass stranding in July, where nearly 100 long-finned pilot whales died or were euthanized after becoming stranded on Cheynes Beach. Similar events highlight the difficulties faced by stranded whales and the complexities of rescue operations.
While the outcome of Thursday's stranding was more favorable than previous incidents, the causes of such events remain uncertain. Scientists continue to explore various theories, including the role of natural and human-induced factors in whale strandings.
