Over 150 false killer whales stranded on remote beach in Tasmania

Over 150 false killer whales have been stranded on a remote beach in Tasmania, Australia. Rescue teams are working to save the surviving dolphins, while the cause of the stranding remains under investigation.

In a rare and concerning event, more than 150 false killer whales were found stranded on a remote beach in Tasmania, Australia. Eyewitness video footage captured the heartbreaking sight of dozens of these large dolphins, struggling for survival along the windswept stretch of coastline. Some of the dolphins, which can grow up to 20 feet (6.1 meters) long and weigh up to 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg), were seen alive and struggling before the arrival of rescue teams.

The incident occurred on February 19, 2025, near Arthur River, located on Tasmania’s northwest coast, approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles) from the state capital, Hobart. The location was verified using satellite imagery that matched the hills and river visible in the video, which confirmed the event's authenticity. Initial checks by Tasmania's environment department showed that 136 animals were still alive when rescue crews arrived.

The cause of the stranding remains unclear, with authorities stating that the situation is complicated by the inaccessibility of the area, harsh ocean conditions, and the difficulty of transporting specialist rescue equipment to the remote beach. Efforts are ongoing to save as many of the stranded dolphins as possible, though the chances of a full recovery for all the animals remain uncertain.

False killer whales are an endangered species, and this incident has raised concerns about the potential impact on their population. While strandings of marine mammals are not uncommon, the large number of animals involved in this event has raised questions about potential environmental factors that may have contributed to the mass stranding. Rescue efforts continue as authorities work to understand the cause and prevent future incidents.