Ankara:At least 12 killer whales were discovered dead along New Zealand's North Island amid challenging sea conditions, as reported by Radio New Zealand on Friday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Joel Lauterbach, a conservation official, stated that they were alerted about the stranding of 15 pygmy killer whales on Thursday. Volunteers joined conservation officials in a rescue mission on Ninety Mile Beach in the Far North District.

The whales were spread across several kilometers, making rescue efforts difficult due to the rough tides, waves, and diminishing daylight. Lauterbach mentioned that conditions remained challenging as they proceeded with the burial of the dead whales.

Officials are currently working to gather information to fully understand the circumstances leading to the stranding of these whales. A previous stranding incident in 2018 involved a dozen rare whales, of which eight were moved to calmer waters, but only one survived the refloating attempt.