Two beaked whales strand

News article | 30 January 2015

Two beaked whales have stranded themselves and died on South Australia’s west coast. Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula Public Lands Manager Tim Hall said the two whales become stranded on the coast of Lincoln National Park on the state’s west coast overnight.

Two beaked whales have stranded themselves and died on South Australia’s west coast.

Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula Public Lands Manager Tim Hall said the two whales become stranded on the coast of Lincoln National Park on the state’s west coast overnight.

“Unfortunately both whales have died,” he said.

The whales are approximately four metres in length.

“Due to the condition of the whales, the weather conditions and the stranding location, no attempt to free the whales could safely be made last night,” Mr Hall said.

“Sadly they have died and it is very unfortunate to witness an event like this”.

Mr Hall said Dr Catherine Kemper, of South Australian Museum had looked at photos of the whales and believed they were Straptooth Beaked Whales.

He said species identification could not be confirmed until skulls are checked.

“Measurements and collection of samples from the whales for the South Australian Museum are being arranged,” he said.