OMM Newsroom
At least 50 pilot whales were stranded along New Zealand’s coast, with rescuers and local residents working on Thursday to refloat the survivors, Anadolu Agency reported.
The whales were found trapped among rocks along the Ngawi coastline in Wairarapa, in the southeastern corner of the North Island. Radio New Zealand reported the stranding, citing whale conservation group Project Jonah.
Two whales were successfully refloated, while several others had died, according to the report. Project Jonah said its team was assessing the stranded animals’ health.
In a statement on “Facebook”, the group said marine mammal medics had been mobilised alongside staff from New Zealand’s Department of Conservation and local residents.
Ngawi resident Rob Bargh described the situation as tragic, saying: “It’s horrible. The ones that are alive are on their last breaths.”
Fisherman Andrew Sim said rescuers were trying to keep a handful of surviving whales wet and cool, but believed “most of the pod had succumbed to their injuries.”
Radio New Zealand also reported that Department of Conservation staff and members of the local community would name the whales and perform karakia, a traditional Maori prayer.
