Rescue efforts are beginning in Tasmania to save more than 200 beached whales

This photo released by Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, shows whales stranded on Ocean Beach on the west coast of Tasmania of Australia, Sept. 21, 2022. (AP)

HOBART, Australia — About 230 whales have been stranded on Tasmania's west coast, just days after 14 sperm whales were found beached on an island off the southeastern coast.

The pod, which is stranded on Ocean Beach, appear to be pilot whales and at least half are presumed to still be alive, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania said Wednesday.