Scores of dead pilot whales found on Tasmanian beach in ‘confronting scenes’

Marine Conservation Program and Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service staff measure a dead pilot whale on Bryans beach. Photograph: NRE Tas

Thirty-four pilot whales were found washed up across a beach on Tasmania’s east coast on Tuesday in what was described as a “confronting” and “devastating” scene.

While out training on a boat, local guide Chris Theobald came across an “overnight mass stranding” of more than 30 pilot whales at Bryans beach near the southern end of the Freycinet Peninsula.