Pilot whales die after Stewart Island stranding

Twenty-eight pilot whales died after becoming stranded on a remote Stewart Island beach yesterday.

Department of Conservation (DOC) staff found nine whales dead on West Ruggedy Beach, north of Mason Bay, after they were informed by a tramper about 9am, the Southland Times reported.

Wild seas and strong winds made rescuing the 19 survivors impossible. They were euthanased by DOC staff to prevent them from suffering.

It was not known why or for how long the whales were stranded.

Whale strandings on Stewart Island are not uncommon, with the most recent in 2003 leaving almost 160 dead.

- NZPA