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Rescuers race to save stranded humpback whale on NSW mid-north coast Stranded humpback whale dies on NSW mid-north coast despite rescue effort
(about 1 hour later)
The 30-tonne whale washed ashore on Seven Mile beach and the National Parks and Wildlife Service led efforts to deliver first aid National Parks and Wildlife Service led operation to try to save 30-tonne whale which washed ashore on Seven Mile beach
A 30-tonne humpback whale has washed ashore on Seven Mile beach on the New South Wales mid-north coast. A 30-tonne humpback whale has died after being washed ashore on Seven Mile beach on the New South Wales mid-north coast.
The whale became stranded early on Saturday morning and was found by a member of the public on the north end of the beach. The whale became stranded early on Saturday morning and was found by a member of the public on the north end of the beach. It died on Saturday night, at around 7pm, with the cause of death still uncertain.
The adult whale was still alive and appeared to be in good condition, with authorities from Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (Orrca), Sea World and Ballina shire council assisting the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service in ensuring its safety. Earlier in the day the adult whale was reported to be in good condition, with authorities from Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (Orrca), Sea World and Ballina shire council assisting the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service in trying to get it back to sea.
A desperate mission is unfolding right now to help save a stranded whale at Seven Mile Beach, Lennox Head. NPWS, ORRCA and Sea World are all onsite providing assistance, while it’s hoped the high tide at 5pm can give the whale a chance at refloating. More at 6pm @nbnnews pic.twitter.com/aqSjhXpYlRA desperate mission is unfolding right now to help save a stranded whale at Seven Mile Beach, Lennox Head. NPWS, ORRCA and Sea World are all onsite providing assistance, while it’s hoped the high tide at 5pm can give the whale a chance at refloating. More at 6pm @nbnnews pic.twitter.com/aqSjhXpYlR
A spokesperson for the National Parks and Wildlife Service said that first aid for the whale was a high priority, and warned members of the public to stay away. A spokesperson for the National Parks and Wildlife Service said that first aid for the whale was a high priority.
“First aid for the whale (shade, posture and pain relief) continues to be a priority.” “First aid for the whale (shade, posture and pain relief) continues to be a priority. Public safety is also of priority and members of the public are asked to please keep away at this time.”
“Public safety is also of priority and members of the public are asked to please keep away at this time.”
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Authorities worked quickly to get the whale some shade and keep it cool, amid a scramble to keep it safe.Authorities worked quickly to get the whale some shade and keep it cool, amid a scramble to keep it safe.
A humpback #whale remains stranded at Lennox Head. For the safety of everyone, NPWS asks members of the public to please keep away. Your cooperation is crucial in minimising potential disruptions and allowing our team to focus on the whale's well-being. Our vet @ORRCA_Inc on site pic.twitter.com/foUAE5b6jCA humpback #whale remains stranded at Lennox Head. For the safety of everyone, NPWS asks members of the public to please keep away. Your cooperation is crucial in minimising potential disruptions and allowing our team to focus on the whale's well-being. Our vet @ORRCA_Inc on site pic.twitter.com/foUAE5b6jC
Skippy Love from Orrca told Guardian Australia that authorities were hoping the high tide, due after 6.30pm local time, would help carry the whale back out to sea. Skippy Love from Orrca told Guardian Australia that trenches had been dug around the whale with an excavator, to make it easier for the tide to carry it back out to sea, but added there was still uncertainty about if it would be enough.
“Our volunteers will head out at first light to check the location of the whale, to check it’s still there or to relocate it if it’s gone out and come back in. “We’re dealing with a 30-tonne animal,” she said.
“At this time it’s really hard to predict what’s going to happen. So it’s a case of wait and see. But obviously it will be monitored very closely.”
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Love said trenches were dug around the whale with an excavator, to make it easier for the tide to carry it back out to sea, but added there was still uncertainty about if it would be enough.
“We’re dealing with a 30-tonne animal,” she said.
Authorities were yet to determine how the whale ended up on the beach, with Love saying that without any obvious injury, it could be a disease that has caused it to end up on the beach.Authorities were yet to determine how the whale ended up on the beach, with Love saying that without any obvious injury, it could be a disease that has caused it to end up on the beach.
“Being that it’s in good body condition, and there’s no obvious injury like a boat strike or anything like that, it’s hard to determine what has happened and how long it could potentially last on the beach. “Being that it’s in good body condition, and there’s no obvious injury like a boat strike or anything like that, it’s hard to determine what has happened.
“Humpbacks tend to strand on their own and it normally indicates that there is some kind of a problem that has occurred to make that happen. There’s just no way of knowing at this point.” “Humpbacks tend to strand on their own and it normally indicates that there is some kind of a problem that has occurred to make that happen.”