<p>Rescuers set free around 25 whales on Tuesday that were marooned on a sandbar off the remote west coast of Tasmania in one of Australia's worst beaching events, and hope to save more in coming days.</p>.<p>Government scientists said about 90 of the 270-strong pod of pilot whales have died since they were spotted from the air in shallow water off the rugged coastline on Monday.</p>.<p>Footage showed large numbers of the animals prone on a wide sandbar at Macquarie Harbour, about 200 kms (120 miles) northwest of the state capital Hobart, while others floundered in slightly deeper water.</p>.<p>Rescuers had to get in the icy water to attach the whales, a species of oceanic dolphin that grow to 7 metres (23 ft) long and can weigh up to 3 tonnes, to slings and then guide the animals as boats dragged them out to deeper water.</p>.<p>"We settled on a method where we get a sling placed under the whale, that's attached to a boat (and) we also have crew in the water," said Nic Deka, a regional manager of Tasmania's Parks and Wildlife Service, at a news conference.</p>.<p>More than 60 people are involved in the rescue effort, including local fishermen and volunteers. They wore wetsuits and were working in shifts to prevent hypothermia.</p>.<p>Scientists do not know why whales, which travel together in pods, sometimes beach themselves but they are known to follow a leader, as well as gather around an injured or distressed whale.</p>.<p>Kris Carlyon, a wildlife biologist with the state government conservation agency, said rescuers would give a new estimate of how many whales had died on Wednesday, but expected to free the remaining animals at a higher rate.</p>.<p>"We're dealing with large, distressed animals, for several days at a time, and it does take an emotional toll sometimes," Carlyon said. "This is a natural event so we can accept that we're going to lose some animals. We're focusing on having as many survivors as we can."</p>
<p>Rescuers set free around 25 whales on Tuesday that were marooned on a sandbar off the remote west coast of Tasmania in one of Australia's worst beaching events, and hope to save more in coming days.</p>.<p>Government scientists said about 90 of the 270-strong pod of pilot whales have died since they were spotted from the air in shallow water off the rugged coastline on Monday.</p>.<p>Footage showed large numbers of the animals prone on a wide sandbar at Macquarie Harbour, about 200 kms (120 miles) northwest of the state capital Hobart, while others floundered in slightly deeper water.</p>.<p>Rescuers had to get in the icy water to attach the whales, a species of oceanic dolphin that grow to 7 metres (23 ft) long and can weigh up to 3 tonnes, to slings and then guide the animals as boats dragged them out to deeper water.</p>.<p>"We settled on a method where we get a sling placed under the whale, that's attached to a boat (and) we also have crew in the water," said Nic Deka, a regional manager of Tasmania's Parks and Wildlife Service, at a news conference.</p>.<p>More than 60 people are involved in the rescue effort, including local fishermen and volunteers. They wore wetsuits and were working in shifts to prevent hypothermia.</p>.<p>Scientists do not know why whales, which travel together in pods, sometimes beach themselves but they are known to follow a leader, as well as gather around an injured or distressed whale.</p>.<p>Kris Carlyon, a wildlife biologist with the state government conservation agency, said rescuers would give a new estimate of how many whales had died on Wednesday, but expected to free the remaining animals at a higher rate.</p>.<p>"We're dealing with large, distressed animals, for several days at a time, and it does take an emotional toll sometimes," Carlyon said. "This is a natural event so we can accept that we're going to lose some animals. We're focusing on having as many survivors as we can."</p>