Dozens of pilot whales stranded in E. Nusa Tenggara

Residents of Sabu island, Sabu Raijua regency, East Nusa Tenggara, discovered a school of short-finned pilot whales stranded on the shore on Monday night. Some of the animals were dead, while others had received injuries from hitting coral reefs while they were being buffeted by waves.

“Dozens of the whales were dead,” Sabu Raijua regent Marthen Dira Tome said on Tuesday.

Many of the surviving whales were successfully returned to the sea.

“Six of the whales were exhausted so they were dragged back to the shore. Most probably, they would not have been able to swim due to their injuries,” he said.

Marten said that rescuers were still trying to save the whales.

The local administration has coordinated with the East Nusa Tenggara Conservation Agency to rescue the protected animals. (swd)