Mass whale stranding: Seven more die on beach after Golden Bay, Tasman restranding

There are hopes dozens of pilot whales will be re-floated after being stranded, rescued and then re-stranded in Tasman’s Golden Bay.

Department of Conservation (DoC) operations manager Ross Trotter said 13 of the 37 whales which stranded on Farewell Spit on Monday afternoon had died.

“The remaining 24 are in relatively good condition and we are optimistic of a successful refloat on the high tide at noon today.”

Conservation group Project Jonah said six whales rescued after being stranded on Farewell Spit Monday night died from being beached again, while one was euthanised for “poor condition”.

“The whales have re-stranded further out so will have water around them mid morning before high tide.

“We’ve mobilised medics and are asking for help from members of the public who have wetsuits and can be onsite by 8am.”

Whales on Golden Bay in Tasman have become re-stranded. Photo / Project Jonah New Zealand

Trotter said the 37 whales were of a mix of ages, with eight large animals and three juveniles.

Monday’s stranding led to a rescue effort involving DoC, Project Jonah, local medics and the Golden Bay community.

Project Jonah said there was no power, food or water at the Golden Bay site and advised volunteers to bring their own supplies.

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