Government scientists said it appeared that at least 25 of the animals had already died, thought to be pilot whales. Pilot whales are an oceanic dolphin species which grows 7 meters (23 feet) long and can weigh up to 3 tonnes.

The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment of Tasmania said the whales were stranded at Macquarie Heads, some 200 kilometers (120 miles) northwest of the state capital, Hobart, in three groups in shallow water.

Rescuers arrived at the scene with advanced equipment to evaluate the situation. They were supposed to regroup on the shore as a discussion of a rescue plan grew dark.

Government scientists had initially assumed about 70 whales were involved in mass stranding when seen from the air, but a closer examination revealed the greater number.

The last mass stranding off Tasmania's coast was when about 200 whales beached themselves in 2009. In 2018, off the coast of New Zealand, more than 100 pilot whales died after beaching themselves.

Maritime Business World