Five killer whales saved after becoming stranded near Fraser
TWO killer whales are dead but five others have been saved by crews who worked tirelessly to save them.
Fraser Coast
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UPDATE: FIVE killer whales have been saved after becoming stranded while travelling through the Great Sandy Straits.
Two others in the pod weren't as lucky; they died when they became stranded on Bookar Island.
The remaining whales were found at Sheridan Flats and crews from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and from local whale watching people worked to save them.
A short time ago it was confirmed that each of the whales had successfully returned to the water.
It is believed the high tide assisted with their rescue.
BEFORE: TWO whales are believed to have died and five more are fighting for life after a pod became stranded on a sandbank near Fraser Island's Ungowa in the Great Sandy Strait.
It is believed crews from the National Parks and Wildlife Service are attempting to help the whales.
Peter Lynch from whale watching boat Blue Dolphin said he was on his way out to the scene to provide assistance.
He said it was believed about seven whales had formed a pod that had travelled into the strait during the high tide.
But when the tide went out, the whales had become stranded on a sandbank.
It was earlier thought the strandings were of a pod of false killer whales, which are a type of dolphin.
QPWS Acting Regional Director Sunshine and Fraser Coast Peter Wright said rescue efforts were underway.
"Rangers have been attempting to keep the whales comfortable with water and shade while waiting for the tide to rise," Mr Wright said.
"Conditions are difficult, with winds 20 to 25 knots.
"The afternoon rising tide will give the whales the best chance of rescue."
NPRSR told the Chronicle that seven whales have stranded off the western side of Fraser Island. They are thought to be killer whales although that is yet to be confirmed.
It said the whales are located at Sheridan Flats and Bookar Island in Great Sandy Strait, southwest of Ungowa.
"The five whales at Sheridan Flats are alive - they are four adults (6-7 metres) and a juvenile about 4m long," he said.
"The other two on Bookar Island are deceased."
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