Rescues underway for several pilot whales stranded on Massachusetts beach

Animal rescuers are working to save several pilot whales that became stranded on a Massachusetts beach.

Conservationists from the International Fund for Animal Welfare’s Marine Mammal Rescue and Research team were sent to Sunken Meadow Beach in Eastham, Massachusetts, Monday night after six live pilot whales were spotted swimming close to shore, Stacey Hedman, communications director for the research center, told ABC News.

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All of the whales were briefly examined, and two were given satellite tags, Hedman said.

By Tuesday morning, the whales had become stranded on the beach, and one — a calf — had died, Hedman said.

Some of the animals are “very large,” with the largest estimated to weigh about 4,000 pounds, Brian Sharp, director of the research center, said in a recorded statement.

MORE: 28 whales, 3 dolphins euthanized after mass stranding in New Zealand

The conservationists hoped that higher tides after 3:30 p.m. ET would help push the whales back out to sea.

Teams of rescuers were responding in phases Tuesday to provide supportive care until the tides were more favorable, Hedman said.

MORE: Beachgoers attempt to push more than 20 beached pilot whales back into the ocean in Georgia

“Right now we just need the tide to come in and help us re-float, because these animals are so large,” Sharp said. “[We’re] doing everything we can right now to give these animals the best shot at the best outcome.”

Video taken on the scene showed crews digging up sand around the whales, some of which were covered in wet blankets to help them retain moisture. Some of the whales were also administered fluids via IV to help combat the stress and shock of stranding, Sharp said.

Rescues underway for several pilot whales stranded on Massachusetts beach originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

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