Parks and Wildlife Service advises that of the seven pilot whales released yesterday three have re- stranded while the remaining four have not been sighted. The three that returned to the beach have been euthanased.
Incident controller Jeremy Chick said the department had conducted a comprehensive sea, air and ground search and had not found any additional or live whales.
“We ask the public to keep a look out and if anyone sees a stranded whale to please report it to the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055,” Mr Chick said.
“All the deceased whales have been removed at the main stranding site and the additional outlying sites. There are two deceased whales remaining in inaccessible terrain and a plan is being developed to remove them as soon as logistically possible.”
Parks and Wildlife Service staff are being assisted by vets, Sea Search and Rescue and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). More than 100 volunteers were involved in the rescue.
Mr Chick said the department appreciated the support from volunteers and other agencies involved.
All closures remain in place due to the increased shark risk to public safety caused by residual whale effluent. Hamelin Beach remains closed from Hamelin Caravan Park to North Point including Grace Road and Reserve Road. Shark alert remains in place for the area.