Hopes whales stranded today have been saved

Volunteers and DOC staff are hopeful the pilot whales which stranded this morning at Uretiti Beach near Waipu will remain at sea after being re-floated on the outgoing tide.

There was some frustration when a second pod of 20 whales threatened to strand themselves, behind the first.

But DOC says that group has responded to boats and joined others heading back to sea on the outgoing tide.

DOC spokesman Reuben Williams says 20 whales have died, but they are hoping the remainder have been saved.

The pod are believed to be the same animals which stranded yesterday at Marsden Point Beach and were refloated late last night. 37 of the animals died in the process of yesterday's rescue.

- NEWSTALK ZB