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Pilot whales (file picture) - Source: Project Jonah
Twenty-two of the 99 long-finned pilot whales stranded at Farewell Spit in Golden Bay today have died.
The whales were seen milling close to the shore around lunchtime and grounded on a receding tide at the stranding site which is seven kilometres up the Spit.
Around 50 Project Jonah volunteers and Department of Conservation staff are helping keep the stranded whales alive as night falls and efforts to save them are put on hold.
"The failing light and a quickly rising tide make continuing our
first aid action too dangerous," Project Jonah chief executive
Kimberly Muncaster said.
"We can only hope that some of the whales make it back to the ocean
by themselves on the high tide at 11pm, and that those left on the
beach in the morning are still alive and able to be refloated on
the following high tide."
Volunteers are being called to help with the rescue effort from first light.
In early January 18 long-finned pilot whales were successfully refloated after 25, part of a pod of 70, stranded at Farewell Spit.
People are being asked to check out the Project Jonah website for a list of items they will need to bring, but essential items include food, water, sunscreen and appropriate clothing.
Muncaster said her organisation is working closely with the Department of Conservation to assist in the operation.
Project Jonah medics are trained in stranding response and have the knowledge and equipment necessary for a potentially long exercise in difficult conditions, she said.
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