Around 160 long-finned pilot whales have washed up on the coast at Dunsborough, 285 kilometres (177 miles) south of Perth in western Australia. According to Parks and Wildlife Service South West (PWS), 28 whales have died.

Pia Courtis, from PWS said in a statement that a number of rescue agencies were trying to help but “unfortunately the outcome for our pilot whales once they strand on the beach is generally not good.”

She added that there were two other pods – one made up of 20 whales and another pod of 100 – which she expected might also reach the shoreline.

The public have been advised not to try to rescue the whales on their own and the operation is still ongoing.