Four whales dead, three cling to life after mass stranding on WA coast

A shark warning has been issued after seven false killer whales stranded themselves along the Great Southern coast on Monday, with three of the animals still alive on Tuesday morning.

While four of the whales died overnight, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions said it was assessing the remaining three to determine the most appropriate and humane course of action.

They said that would likely be euthanasia.

The incident was first reported Monday evening around 5pm at House Beach, 12 kilometres east of the tourist town of Bremer Bay in the Shire of Jerramungup.

DBCA said a staff member travelled to the area overnight and additional personnel were deployed Tuesday morning.

“For public safety and to support response efforts, members of the public are advised to avoid the area and to not self-deploy to the incident,” a spokesperson said.

SharkSmart has stated that there are carcasses 20 metres offshore, potentially attracting sharks, and urging public caution.

Almost exactly a year ago, at the end of April 2024, 160 pilot whales beached themselves at Toby’s Inlet near Dunsborough. While 30 died, a major rescue effort saved the rest.

In July 2023 nearly 100 pilot whales beached themselves at Cheynes Beach in Albany. Despite about half this group being freed by volunteers and DBCA staff in near-freezing conditions, the animals beached themselves a second time and had to be euthanised to end prolonged suffering.