DOC whale stranding update

8.45am

DOC rangers have now counted 71 pilot whales stranded at Farewell Spit, about 5km from its base, and spread out over 1.5 km. Eight of the whales are dead.

Project Jonah trained volunteers and other volunteers have been arriving to care for the remaining 63 whales, keeping them as comfortable as possible and wet with buckets of sea water.

DOC has put out a call for people with wetsuits to help refloat the whales around today's 12.17pm high tide. Anyone who can help is asked to get to Triangle Flat at the base of Farewell Spit by around 11am. As well as bringing wetsuits if they have them, people should bring warm clothing, water, food, sun protection and all the gear they need.

ENDS

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