By 3 News online staff
The 33 pilot whales that were refloated yesterday afternoon have re-stranded overnight and will be put down.
Project Jonah says the whales are showing “significant signs of physical deterioration and distress”.
“This is tragic news,” says chief executive Kimberly Muncaster.
“Unfortunately the stranded whales are now also further along the Spit and on the extreme boundary of our ability to reach them for another rescue attempt. The Department of Conservation has decided they will have to be put down.”
Gale warnings mean boats wouldn’t be able to monitor the whales, even if another refloat was possible.
The news brings the total number of whales that have died since Monday to 82.
Ms Muncaster says all those involved in the rescue attempts are “devastated” by the outcome.
The organisation thanked volunteers who did their best to help in saving the whales in difficult conditions and with little sleep.
Project Jonah and DOC will now focus their attention on the 17 whales who were successfully refloated on Monday night.
People are asked to watch their local beaches – particularly in the Golden Bay area – and report any pilot whale sightings to DOC or Project Jonah.
“Basically, if there are any sightings of pilot whales in or around Golden Bay, people should call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) or 0800 4 WHALE (0800 494 253) immediately,” says Ms Muncaster.
3 News