Pilot whales have fallen victim to the notorious Farewell Spit since Thursday afternoon.
Project Jonah says on Sunday morning, five of the largest whales from 15 that had stranded since Friday had restranded at two sites - Pūponga and Farewell Spit.
A pod of 55 were first reported stranded on Thursday afternoon at two sites at the 'natural whale trap' despite efforts by local medics, Department of Conservation and Manawhenua Ki Mohua.
These groups responded to reports of the whales swimming in the shallows, heading towards Farewell Spit.
Welfare assessments on the five remaining whales from this large pod are being carried out by Project Jonah DOC staff and Cetacean Ecology Research Group (CERG) this morning.
“We will be keeping them cool and comfortable this morning while continuing to monitor their conditions and looking at a refloat attempt this afternoon,” Project Jonah says.
Project Jonah welcomes public assistance from those in wetsuits, ready to help by 2pm, and recommends appropriate clothing due to windy and cold conditions.
It says extra buckets or sheets aren’t required.
Earlier, 15 pilot whales from the initial 55 had restranded and six were found deceased on Friday morning.
Almost 200 people, including locals, holidaymakers, Project Jonah medics, DOC staff, CERG, and Manawhenua Ki Mohua spent four hours guiding the 15 pilot whales to deeper water, but by Saturday morning, they had restranded.
Refloating efforts ensued, and the whales were free swimming for two hours on Saturday afternoon and moved 2kms west away from Farewell Spit.
The whales were monitored by boat and drone, but restranded on a sandbar near Pūponga.
While a “huge effort” was made to refloat the whales, the tide dropped quickly leaving five of the largest whales stranded.
