False Killer Whales: More than 150 false killer whales stranded on Australian beach, 90 euthanised | World News

Dozens of false killer whales are fighting for survival after a mass stranding on a remote beach in Australia, where more than 60 have already died.
Rescuers are racing against time to save those still alive, but rough conditions and the location are making efforts extremely difficult.
The pod of 157 false killer whales became stranded near Arthur River on Tasmania’s northwest coast sometime between Monday and Tuesday. By the time authorities arrived, around 90 of the animals were still alive, but as the hours passed, more succumbed to exhaustion and exposure. Authorities ultimately decided to euthanise the surviving 90 whales.
Difficult rescue mission
Experts and rescuers are on-site, checking if any surviving whales can be saved. But the remote beach, rough waters, and the whales’ massive size—some weighing up to three tonnes—make the rescue very difficult.
Brendon Clark, a liaison officer for Tasmania’s department of natural resources and environment, explained the risks involved.
“To try to refloat the animals directly back into that surf would be challenging and then of course that would also present some enormous safety risks for our staff and personnel,” he said.
Authorities have warned that surging tides, strong waves, and the movement of the struggling whales could pose dangers to rescuers. There is also concern over sharks being drawn to the area by the carcasses.
Rare stranding
This is the first recorded mass stranding of false killer whales in Tasmania since 1974, when more than 160 were stranded near Stanley, also on the northwest coast. Tasmania frequently sees whale strandings, particularly involving pilot whales, but false killer whales—a species of large oceanic dolphins—rarely beach in such numbers.
More than 80% of Australia’s whale strandings occur in Tasmania, with the west coast being a particular hotspot. In 2020, Australia’s worst-ever stranding saw 470 pilot whales beach themselves at Macquarie Harbour, with most perishing despite extensive rescue efforts. A similar incident occurred in 2022, with 230 pilot whales stranded in the same location.
Mystery behind mass strandings
The exact reasons behind whale strandings remain unclear. Some experts believe the animals can become disoriented when following prey too close to shore, while others suggest that one confused individual may inadvertently lead an entire pod to shallow waters. Other possible factors include illness, injury, or disturbances caused by loud noises or environmental conditions.
Authorities plan to examine the carcasses for clues, but for now, the focus remains on saving the survivors.
Local resident Jocelyn Flint described the heartbreaking sight after her son discovered the stranded pod while shark fishing overnight.
“There are babies… There’s just families of them. Their eyes are open, they’re looking at me, like ‘help,’” she told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
“It’s just absolutely horrific. They’re all struggling.”