70 whales rescued from Australia’s worst mass beaching

Pilot whales lie stranded on a sand bar near Strahan, Australia, Monday, Sept. 21, 2020. An estimated 250 whales are stuck on sandy shoals and government marine conservation staff have been deployed to the scene to attempt to rescue the whales. (Brodie Weeding/Pool Photo via AP)

Authorities have revised up the number of pilot whales rescued from Australia’s worst mass stranding from 50 to 70, as the focus shifted to removing 380 carcasses.

The number of rescues had been estimated at 50 late on Wednesday, but 20 more came to light following later discussions with rescue crews, Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service manager Nic Deka said.