Around 230 pilot dolphins, also known as pilot whales, were found stranded on the west coast of Tasmania, Australia on Wednesday (September 21), with officials saying only half of these cetaceans appeared to be still alive.
"
A group of around 230
'cetaceans'
washed ashore near Macquarie Harbour
," the Tasmanian state Department of Natural Resources and Environment said.
"
It looks like about half of the animals are alive
," he added.
500 cetaceans found dead two years ago
Aerial footage showed a desolate scene where dozens of sea mammals were scattered along a wide beach.
Authorities said marine conservation experts and a team with cetacean rescue equipment were on their way to the area.
Almost two years ago to the day, the area was the scene of another mass stranding, with nearly 500 pilot dolphins stranded, of which around 100 survived.
The reasons for these large strandings are not fully known.
Scientists have suggested they could be caused by groups of cetaceans straying after feeding too close to shore.
As pilot whales are very social animals, they can follow members of their group who stray and find themselves in danger.
