Whales restrand for second time

UPDATE Tuesday 4:45pm

The long-finned pilot whales which survived their stranding at Farewell Spit and were refloated at high tide this morning have restranded.

Project Jonah says the whales were in deep enough water for them to swim for a number of hours, but they couldn’t return to the sea, and are again spread along the beach.

“Volunteers are continuing to care for the whales, but conditions are more challenging with strong southerly winds,” Project Jonah says.

“If you have a wetsuit and can arrive self-sufficient i.e. own water, food etc we will be on the beach until sunset and welcome your help.”

UPDATE Tuesday 9.30am:

The 37 long-finned pilot whales which stranded on Farewell Spit yesterday are mainly mixed ages with eight large animals and three juveniles.

Of the group, 24 are still alive this morning.

"Unfortunately, six died overnight and we had to make the call to euthanise a second one at first light," says Department of Conservation (DOC) operations manager Ross Trotter.

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

Project Jonah is continuing to organise teams in response to this incident.

"Anyone wishing to volunteer should check with Project Jonah before coming to Golden Bay."

UPDATE Tuesday 6.30am

The beaches of Farewell Spit have been checked this morning and the whales have restranded. Another six have passed away and one was euthanized due to poor condition.

The whales have restranded further out so will have water around them mid-morning before high tide around lunchtime.

"We've mobilised medics and are asking for help from members of the public who have wetsuits and can be onsite by 8.00am," says a Project Jonah spokesperson.

There is no power, food or water onsite so please bring your own supplies.

Monday evening

Almost 40 pilot whales are stranded on Farewell Spit, with high tide still hours away.  

Department of Conservation (DOC) operations manager Ross Trotter says they were alerted to a whale stranding at Farewell Spit, Golden Bay at about 1pm on Monday.

There are 37 long-finned pilot whales stranded at one location. Two whales have died and 35 remain alive.

DOC is working with Project Jonah and volunteers on site to keep the whales wet and as comfortable as possible until a refloating can be attempted.

"The plan is to try to refloat the whales either on the incoming tide tonight before it gets dark or at high tide tomorrow at about midday," Ross says.

The team are assessing to see if a refloat attempt is possible this evening before it gets dark. However high tide isn’t until 11.30pm so this may not be possible. Once it’s dark, the team will stand down, as it’s unsafe to continue to work.

A team will return to the site at dawn.

"Currently, we have enough support onsite, and no extra volunteers are needed at this stage. We appreciate the support of the volunteers who are assisting."