Nearly 400 whales have died in a mass stranding on an Australian beach.
The tragic event on Tasmania’s west coast is thought to be the worst of its kind on record in Australia.
Tasmania’s government said over 450 long-finned pilot whales have been stranded since yesterday.
About 50 whales have been rescued from the beach and there are estimated to be 30 more still alive.
Marine conservation experts are still trying to save them.
Wildlife biologist Dr Kris Carlyon said that while the stranding is the worst on record in Australia, worse have occurred elsewhere.
“Globally there [have] been some much bigger events than this, twice the size and over for example in New Zealand,” Dr Carlyon explained.
“There is little we can do to prevent this occurring in the future.”
Dr Carlyon added: “We are all optimistic of getting more off today [...] I think we have a really good chance of getting more off the sandbar and out through the gates. We are still very hopeful.”
