-
Whales struggle at Farewell Spit - Source: ONE News -
Watch Video
-
Related
Volunteers have successfully refloated 35 pilot whales which restranded on Farewell Spit yesterday, but there are fears they may beach themselves yet again.
They were part of a group of 39 long-finned pilot whales who had to face a second night on land. The other four died overnight.
The whales were kept cool by the volunteers this morning while waiting for high tide.
Project Jonah chief executive Kimberly Muncaster says teams have refloated the whales and are attempting to lead them out to deeper seas.
She said they have an adult female in a pontoon acting as a magnet for the others, but the next few hours are crucial.
A pod of 99 beached around midday on Monday. They were refloated a yesterday but some stranded again yesterday afternoon.
A total of 47 whales have now died, while 17 who were refloated on Monday appear to be safely back at sea.
Muncaster says if anyone sees any of the whales re-stranding further down the coast they should get in contact with the Department of Conservation as soon as possible.
"The sooner a stranding is reported to the Department of Conservation, the better the chances for the whales," she said.
Latest NZ News Video
-
ONE News Minute 9am update: May 26 (1:00)
-
Kids cough up $14m for Government (1:50)
-
Education ministry 'barbaric' (1:55)
