As many as 90 pilot whales have died after becoming stranded off the southern coast of mainland Australia, local media reported Tuesday.
The whales are among 270 that were discovered Monday in shallow waters near Strahan in Macquarie Harbour in the western part of Tasmania, the Tasmanian state government said, adding marine experts and government officials are racing to save the others.
In a press statement on the Tasmanian government's website Tuesday, Nic Deka, rescue coordinator and Parks and Wildlife Service regional manager, said rescue crews were already on the scene in Strahan and that a number of other resources had been mobilized and were expected to arrive later in the day.
"Whale strandings are not uncommon in Tasmania. Whale strandings of this scale are not unusual either. However, we have not had one of this level for the past decade," Deka said.
The rescue mission is expected to take several more days, raising concern that more of the animals could die.
Researchers are still trying to fully understand the behavior of whales, including what causes them to get stranded in shallow water.
However, some scientists believe that as they are very social animals, when one pilot whale loses its way and becomes stranded, other members of the pod swim to its aid and become trapped themselves.
Related coverage:
Australia's Morrison may visit Japan to meet PM Suga in Nov.
Dolphin "drive-hunting" starts in western Japan whaling town
