DoC still on stand-by over stranded whales

A light plane has spotted 12 pilot whales "swimming strongly" in Golden Bay but Department of Conservation staff are still on stand-by.

Yesterday a pod of pilot whales was stranded twice in Golden Bay and 13 died.

DoC spokeswoman Trish Grant said about a dozen whales were spotted 1-2km off Onekaka in Golden Bay.

"We're hoping they make their way out to the open sea but while they are still in the bay, we're uncertain what might happen. We have to wait and see," Ms Grant said.

-NZ HERALD STAFF