Dolphins, whales die in mysterious mass beachings

MORE than 120 whales and dolphins died after swimming onto beaches on two southern Australian islands, where rescue teams were desperately trying today to prevent others becoming stranded.

Some 97 animals 72 pilot whales and 25 bottlenose dolphins died after beaching yesterday on King Island between the Australian mainland and the south-east island state of Tasmania, state government environment spokesman Warwick Brennan said.

On Maria Island, 280 miles away, approximately 25 dead pilot whales were beached, whale rescue expert Shane Hunniford said.