7 Sperm whales rescued in Tasmania, 5 die.

29/07/2007 00:00:00 After an operation lasting several days, seven Sperm whales that were trapped in the shallow waters of Macquarie harbour, Tasmania, have been shepherded back to sea by local wildlife services. Sadly 5 other whales have been found dead in and around the harbour. The whale rescue team working at Macquarie Harbour has escorted the last two surviving sperm whales out to open water. The pair was last observed headed southwest from Cape Sorell - joining five others already released in the last 72 hours - bringing the total saved to seven.

‘This is a fantastic result and just adds to the tremendous success we have already experienced during this operation,’ said Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) senior ranger Chris Arthur.

Mr Arthur said this morning one of the two survivors was swimming freely in the harbour but the other was trapped in shallow water.

‘After several hours work we managed to free the trapped mammal and guided it to the harbour entrance. We had one of the whales hesitate just outside Hells Gates but some patient manoeuvring saw him clear,’ said Wildlife and Marine Conservation Section manager Rosemary Gales. ‘This is easily the most successful rescue of sperm whales anywhere in the world,’ said Doctor Gales. Dr Gales has paid tribute to the rescue team for their efforts in achieving such a successful outcome.

The focus will now turn to the five deceased whales inside the harbour. The PWS has reminded the public to remain clear of the animals.

The rescue team includes staff from the Parks and Wildlife Service and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and within the Department of Tourism, Arts and the Environment and the Wildlife and Marine Conservation Section of the Department of Primary Industries and Water.

‘I'd also like to thank the Strahan community for their support during this operation, they have been tremendous,’ said Dr Gales.