'Distressing Scene' as Beachgoers Gather Around Stranded Whales in Western Australia

Around 160 pilot whales became stranded at Toby Inlet beach in Western Australia on Thursday, April 25, prompting a rescue effort that successfully got most of them back out to sea.

The Parks and Wildlife Service of Western Australia said at least 29 of the long-finned pilot whales died, and that it was investigating the cause of the stranding.

“Thank you to everyone who has cooperated and assisted our staff today,” the parks service wrote on Facebook.

Footage here, captured by Allan Asplin, shows stranded whales at Toby Inlet beach on Thursday.

Asplin told Storyful that the scene he witnessed was “distressing” as some of the beached whales were “sadly dying.” Credit: Allan Asplin via Storyful