MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — More than 150 false killer whales are stranded on a remote beach on Australia’s island state of Tasmania, officials said on Wednesday. Marine experts including veterinarians were at the scene near Arthur River on Tasmania’s northwest coast, a Department of Natural Resources and Environment statement said.

Over 60 false killer whales have died in a mass stranding on a remote Tasmanian beach, with rescuers struggling against rough conditions to save the survivors. This first mass stranding of false killer whales since 1974 has posed significant challenges due to the location and size of the animals.

Rescue efforts have failed for a pod of 157 false killer whales beached on a remote coastline, with authorities forced to begin euthanasia.