Almost two dozen long-finned pilot whales stranded in Tasman have been returned to the water by a massive effort by volunteers under the guidance of Project Jonah.
In an update early this afternoon, the conservation group said: “A huge effort this morning saw the whales regrouped and refloated on the incoming tide. The whales spent some time socialising before swimming strongly into deeper water.”
Project Jonah said the whales were being monitored from a boat close by and from shore.
“The efforts of the almost 80 people on this third day of strandings was truly heroic. We will remain onsite and monitor the whales through the afternoon.”
Earlier this morning, Project Jonah said 19 whales had restranded and were “spread further along the beach” after being refloated yesterday.
“We’re expecting water around the whales from 10.30am and are asking for help on the beach from members of the public. We’ve mobilised available medics from the Top of the South region,” the group said.
They asked members of the public who can help with refloating the whales to come prepared with food and water for a long day ahead and “ideally with wetsuits”.
Thirty-seven long-finned pilot whales stranded on Farewell Spit on Monday afternoon, Project Jonah said. Two had died by about 6.20pm on Monday, the Department of Conservation said.
Department of Conservation operations manager at Tākaka, Ross Trotter, said 23 whales had restranded about 1km north from where they were yesterday, and one was unaccounted for.
“There are 19 whales alive and unfortunately, four are dead,” he said.
“We will keep them comfortable and attempt to refloat them at hightide at 12.15pm today.”
Yesterday, Project Jonah said volunteers were continuing to care for the whales, but conditions were made more challenging with strong southerly winds.
The spit was a site where pilot whales typically stranded, Project Jonah’s Daren Grover told 1News.
Those wanting to help were advised to read the information on the Project Jonah website.
