At least 20 long-finned pilot whales have been stranded after they were washed up against a breakwater wall in western Australia's Bunbury harbour on Monday morning, and seven have already died.
The long-finned whales congregated against the wall, and some of them were apparently hurt, according to The West Australian.
A week-old calf was also found dead along with six others, journalists reporting the incident tweeted.
Wildlife officials rushed to the spot around 11 am local time, and the Bunbury Port Authority and Department of Fisheries has also deployed a plane to monitor for more stranded whales in the area.
Rescue attempts are underway.
Desperate attempt to save 20 long-finned whales trapped against breakwater wall, Bunbury, Western Australia #whales pic.twitter.com/0PHe60dnxL
— Nicolas Perpitch (@NicPerpitch) March 23, 2015
7 now dead, but look at this. Vollies holding 3freed whales so they can go out as pod when more rescued @abcnewsPerth pic.twitter.com/oipXHGtFS6
— Katrin Long (@Katrin_Long) March 23, 2015
A week old calf has died. It's being towed out to its mum to try & coax her from the rocks. @abcnewsPerth pic.twitter.com/4dfOxpqIbu — Katrin Long (@Katrin_Long) March 23, 2015
