Over 150 false killer whales stranded on Tasmania beach, Australia

Over 150 false killer whales have been stranded on a beach in Tasmania, Australia, with only 90 still alive, as rescue teams race against time to save them.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment confirmed the mass stranding near Arthur River, located on Tasmania's northwest coast, around 400km (250 miles) from Hobart.

The whales have been stranded for an estimated 24 to 48 hours.

Brendon Clark, a liaison officer at Tasmania’s Parks and Wildlife Service, stated that although the situation is dire, experts are on-site, evaluating rescue options. However, he noted that re-floating the whales directly into the ocean presents significant challenges and safety risks.

"We’re currently assessing the situation carefully, but getting the necessary equipment to such a remote location and dealing with the tough conditions is complicating our response," Clark explained.

Local resident Jocelyn Flint described the scene, saying her son discovered the stranded whales at around midnight on Tuesday.

She witnessed the whales struggling in the sand and said the situation was heartbreaking, especially with young calves among them.

False killer whales, a species of oceanic dolphin that resemble killer whales, can grow up to 6.1 metres (20 feet) long and weigh up to 3 metric tonnes (about 6,600 pounds).

This incident marks the first stranding of false killer whales in Tasmania since 1974.

The cause of the stranding remains unclear, but common factors include disorientation, illness, injury, or fleeing from predators.

The authorities have urged the public to refrain from interfering with the carcasses, as all whale species are protected under Australian law.