A large sperm whale that washed ashore on Tasmania’s north-west coast has died.
Last night, Tasmania Police said they were managing the whale at Turners Beach, along with members of Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.
Members of the public are asked to avoid the area and not enter the water or the incoming tide due to the “anticipated danger”.
Local residents watched on as the rescue attempt unfolded. (ABC News: Mackenzie Heard)
Authorities attempted to rescue the whale, but the Department of Natural Resources and Environment said it had since died.
“While this is a sad outcome, strandings occur for a range of reasons and wildlife deaths are a natural part of life in the marine environment,” a spokesperson said.
“A specialist wildlife veterinarian will take samples and examine the whale to try to determine the cause of death.
“Wildlife can carry disease and interfering with wildlife, including a carcass, is an offence, so people are asked to stay away from the area.”
The public is asked to avoid the area and not enter the water near the whale. (ABC News: Mackenzie Heard)
Earlier today, Turners Beach resident Haydn said it was a distressing scene.
“Unfortunately the whale is still stranded … there is unfortunately a lot of blood in the water,” he said.
“There were about 100 residents here this morning looking on.
“Right now we’ve got two rangers here just basically babysitting the whale, making sure no-one goes in the water because of the risk of sharks.”
Members of Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service helped managed the incident. (ABC News: Mackenzie Heard)
Residents warned of bird flu risk
Emma Eustace lives near the beach and sounded the alarm when she spotted the whale at about 6.45pm.
Emma Eustace phoned authorities to report the whale. (ABC News: Mackenzie Heard)
“The tide was at its peak at that stage and it just didn’t seem to be moving. It was staying quite stationary, so I came down to the beach,” Ms Eustace said.
“I rang through to the Marine Conservation [program] who told me to keep an eye on it. After about five minutes, I called them back and said it’s actually bringing itself in. It’s beaching.”
She was advised that a crew would be sent in the morning, and was warned to not approach the whale as it may have bird flu.
Greg and Cath Tompos at Turners Beach. (ABC News: Mackenzie Heard)
Local Greg Tompos said the Turners Beach was popular year-round, and the whale sighting was unusual.
“You’d probably have 50 or 80 people walking the beach every day. Even this time of year you’ll get people swimming,” he said.
“The only other thing we’ve seen like this is a seal, and this is obviously much different than a seal.”
Stranded whales can be reported to the Marine Mammal Hotline on 0427 942 537.