January 19th, 2014. Forty-eight pilot whales have restranded on Farewell Spit after being refloated earlier today.
The whales began to restrand at Triangle Flat at 4.30pm, several hours after initially being refloated by DOC rangers, Project Jonah volunteers and members of the public.
The stranded whales will be cared for by around 40 volunteers, but it is considered unsafe to attempt to refloat them in darkness.
It is hoped that the whales will refloat with the incoming tide.
DoC reported earlier most were swimming in deeper water towards the other side of Golden Bay and it was hoped that they would continue further out into the bay.
They were being monitored by the Tasman District Council harbourmaster.
Update : The Department of Conservation is appealing for volunteers to assist with 73 pilot whales found stranded on Farewell Spit this morning.
People with wetsuits are particularly needed to help refloat…