Beached whales in Australia: race to save 15 surviving whales after 150 wash up on beach

Rescuers are racing against time to save whales that have become stranded in Western Australia.

It’s thought that at least 135 out of 150 short-finned pilot whales have died after becoming beached at Hamelin Bay on Friday.

Locals have been warned to stay out of the water due to a likely increase in sharks attracted by the dead whales.

Distressing images show the animals across the bay while video footage shows rescuers' attempts to try and save the stranded animals.

Western Australia’s Parks and Wildlife service said that they are on site and assessing the health of the remaining 15 animals.

Incident controller Jeremy Chick said: “Most of the whales beached themselves on dry land overnight and have not survived.

“The strength of the animals and the windy and possibly wet weather conditions will affect when and where we attempt to move them out to sea.

“The main objectives are to ensure the safety of staff and volunteers as well as the whales’ greatest chance of survival.”

It’s feared that there will be an increase in shark attacks following the deaths of the whales.

In a statement the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development said: “It is possible the dead and dying animals will act as an attractant, which could lead to sharks coming close to shore along this stretch of coast.”

The beach has been closed off to members of the public.

Short-finned pilot whales are found in tropical and subtropical waters. They usually travel around in pods of up to 100.

The reason behind the mass stranding remains unknown but one theory is that some became stranded while trying to help others.

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