24 January 2012
Of the 77 live long-finned pilot whales stranded on Farewell Spit in Golden Bay last night, 39 are still alive this morning.
Sadly, a further 12 were found dead on the beach at first light. A further 26 refloated during the night and have been spotted milling around offshore.
“The remaining whales scattered a bit overnight, but they are still in the same general location,” says Kimberly Muncaster, Project Jonah CEO. “The first convoy of Project Jonah medics has headed out already.”
“It has been an anxious wait,” Kimberly says. “Our medics arrived throughout the day yesterday from as far away as Invercargill, Auckland and Australia. All they could do overnight was camp out and wait, hoping the morning would bring a pleasant surprise rather than further tragedy.”
More volunteers will be needed this morning to keep the surviving whales stable until they can be refloated on the high tide at 11.00 am.
“It’s all hands on deck,” Kimberly says. “Project Jonah has a second wave of medics arriving from all around New Zealand, but anyone can help, provided they come prepared. All volunteers should meet at Triangle Flat at the start of the spit."
Volunteers are asked to check the Project Jonah website for a list of items they will need to bring, but essential items include food, water, sunscreen and appropriate clothing.
Project Jonah is working closely with the Department of Conservation to assist in the operation.
“Project Jonah marine mammal medics have been trained in stranding response and have the knowledge and equipment necessary for a potentially long exercise in difficult conditions,” she says. “We face an enormous task this morning but can only do our best to get the 39 surviving whales back into the water safely.”
