Golden Bay whale strandings update: 4.45pm Monday 13 February

DOC staff are keeping a watch on the shore around the Taupata Point area of Golden Bay for any pilot whales stranding.

DOC staff in a boat were monitoring a pod of about 150 or more pilot whales offshore from Taupata Point this afternoon but due to rough seas the boat has had to return to shore. When last seen the pod of whales was about 1km offshore.

Some members of the public have told us they prevented about 5 of the whales stranding in the area this afternoon. They saw the whales starting to strand about 1.30pm and pushed them back into deeper water. We understand about 6 people were involved. Their quick action has avoided those whales beaching and possibly more of the whales stranding. The other whales were further out from the shore at the time.

DOC staff will continue to watch for any whales stranding in the area until around low tide which is about 6pm.

© Scoop Media