Source: Department of Conservation
Date: 02 December 2024
There are 37 long-finned pilot whales stranded at one location. Two whales have died and 35 remain alive.
DOC is working with Project Jonah and volunteers on site to keep the whales wet and as comfortable as possible until a refloating can be attempted.
“The plan is to try to refloat the whales either on the incoming tide tonight before it gets dark or at high tide tomorrow at about midday,” says DOC Operations Manager Ross Trotter.
“The team are assessing to see if a refloat attempt is possible this evening before it gets dark. However high tide isn’t until 11.30 pm so this may not be possible. Once it’s dark, the team will stand down, as it’s unsafe to continue to work.
“A team will return to the site at dawn.
“Currently, we have enough support onsite, and no extra volunteers are needed at this stage. We appreciate the support of the volunteers who are assisting.”
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