More than 80 whales have washed ashore on India’s southern coast, officials said Tuesday.
The short-finned pilot whales began washing up on beaches Monday evening, said M. Ravi Kumar, the top government official in the southeastern port town of Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu state.
Rescuers took at least 36 of the mammals back to sea, but they appeared to be disoriented and some found their way back to the beach, Kumar said.
Short-finned pilot whales travel in groups or pods, and the absence of a leader confuses the group, he said.
Local officials have asked experts from a nearby marine park to help them assess why the whales are washing up ashore and to help return them to the ocean as quickly as possible.
Local records show that the last time whales washed up on the beaches of Tuticorin in large numbers was in 1973, Kumar said.
Latest Stories
-
Wisconsin University wins Cybersecurity Authority’s industry partnership award
2 mins -
Ghanaian movie ‘The Rise of a Warrior Hunter’ takes flight on United Airlines
12 mins -
Andre Ayew calmed my nerves on my World Cup debut – Gideon Mensah
16 mins -
Today’s front pages: Wednesday, November 6, 2024
16 mins -
Absa Bank organises third ‘Change Your Story’ draw in Ho
24 mins -
Unraveling government’s failure regarding the protracted Bawku crisis
32 mins -
‘A legacy of integrity’ – Former AG Amidu honours Justice Amonoo-Monney on 90th birthday
41 mins -
Trump claims victory after Fox News projects he has won US presidency
52 mins -
EC hires over 200 experts to assist in election results collation
1 hour -
NDC will protect integrity of election 2024 – Mahama
2 hours -
More youth to enjoy digital skills training – Bawumia
2 hours -
Redesign curriculum to respond to reforms in second cycle institutions – Universities advised
2 hours -
Akufo-Addo elated as GBA inducts first female leader
2 hours -
CSIR-SARI introduces climate-resilient, nutritionally enhanced maize hybrids
2 hours -
Over 5.7m students have benefited from Free SHS since 2017 – Akufo-Addo
2 hours