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.
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