Rescuers have failed to refloat two humpback whales at a Northland beach on the high tide.
Hundreds of people tried to refloat the whales at Baylys Beach today. Photo: Supplied / Jake Smith
More than 100 volunteers joined staff from the Department of Conservation and marine mammal specialists to try to float the stranded whales today on the high tide.
The whales, one fully grown female and another possibly its calf, were found south of Baylys Beach, near Dargaville, at 8.30am.
***STRANDING UPDATE***
— Project Jonah (@ProjectJonah) August 5, 2018
Despite a HUGE effort this afternoon we were unable to refloat the two stranded humpback whales on the high tide. Rescue efforts will continue tomorrow once the condition of the whales has been assessed at first light. pic.twitter.com/qBy5ncNSGy
Kaipara Mayor Jason Smith said it was heartbreaking hearing the mother calling to the calf.
The rescue effort was postponed when it got dark but would resume in force tomorrow morning, he said.
Rescuers may utilise floating pontoons should conditions allow.
Whale stranding today - many volunteers pic.twitter.com/4ntxNCb3KK
— Dr Jake Smith (@drjakesmith) August 5, 2018
