Tragic ending for beached whale off northern Tasmania

A 12 tonne sperm whale that became stranded off the coast off Flinders Island has tragically died after rescuers were unable to save it. LATEST >>

A male sperm whale has died after becoming stranded on a sandy beach near North East river on Flinders Island over the weekend.

Wildlife biologists and a vet from DPIPWE visited the island yesterday in an attempt to save the animal, however experts determined that refloating the whale was not a “feasible or humane option”.

“Marine Conservation Program staff collected measurements and observations yesterday and will conduct post-mortem investigations this morning at low tide.” said a spokesperson from the DPIPWE.

A beached sperm whale dies after washing ashore on Flinders Island. Picture: DPIPWE.

Due to the animal weighing a whopping 12 tonnes, experts said its carcass is unable to be removed from the beach and swimmers should keep their distance with its remains having the potential to attract sharks.

DPIPWE said it’s not unsual for the whale species to be sighted in Tasmania.

“Members of the public are reminded to keep their distance and reminded that it is an offence to interfere, take or be in possession of parts of a dead whale.” said the DPIPWE.

Injured or stranded marine mammals, including dolphins, seals and whales, should be reported to the Whale Hotline 0427 WHALES (0427 942 537).

Monday, November 8

WILDLIFE rescuers and biologists responded to a beached sperm whale at Flinders Island on Monday that was called into the Parks and Wildlife Services by a tourist over the weekend.

The male whale that became stranded on a sandy beach near North East River sometime on Sunday is estimated to weigh 12 tonnes and is about 10m long.

Sperm whale beached off Flinders Island. Picture: Meree Barber.

Local PWS staff and officers remained with the whale for much of Monday, where they monitored the situation and attempted to keep the animal comfortable.

Specialist staff from DPIPWE’s Marine Conservation Program, including a vet, were due to arrive on the island to assess the animal and response options.

Marine Conservation Program is attending to assess a sperm whale on Flinders Island. Picture: DPIPWE

DPIPWE thanked the public for reporting the whale and urged beachgoers to keep their distance.

Meree Barber posted about the animal to Facebook’s Whale Spotting Tasmania page and said waves were still washing over the animal but it appeared to be sinking into the sand.

Injured or stranded marine mammals, including dolphins, seals and whales, should be reported to the Whale Hotline 0427 WHALES (0427 942 537).

‘Helpless’: Distressed seal washes ashore on south Tasmanian beach

An injured seal that worried Carlton Beach locals is displaying “normal behaviour”, the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment says.

What locals described as a sick and battered seal washed up on Carlton Beach this morning, with Mercury columnist Charles Wooley and others attempting to alert relevant authorities.

Sick and battered seal which appears to be dying which washed up on Carlton Beach on Friday, November 5. Picture Charles Wooley

Sick and battered seal which appears to be dying which washed up on Carlton Beach on Friday, November 5. Picture Charles Wooley.

Local residents on Carlton Beach distressed by a dying seal which washed up on the beach between Carlton River and Park Beach.

Several locals tried to call a number of local departments including the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service to assist or euthanase the seal but had trouble getting through according to Mr Wooley.

He said the seal which had been unattended for hours, washed up about half way between Park Beach and the Carlton River.

A DPIPWE spokesperson said the Marine Conservation Program had received reports of an injured seal on Carlton Beach near Hobart.

“Seals hauling out on Tasmanian beaches is normal behaviour and members of the public are reminded to keep their distance,” the spokesperson said.

“People should not try to interfere with the seal and instead allow it space to rest.

“We are also aware the seal has an old but healing injury, likely from a predation attempt. The seal has been sighted in other areas between Carlton Beach and the Tasman Peninsula and MCP has no intention to intervene at this stage.”

Injured or stranded marine mammals, including dolphins, seals and whales, should be reported to the Whale Hotline 0427 WHALES (0427 942 537).