Mass Whale Stranding Occurring In Hawaii NOAA & University Scientists Puzzled

MUAI, HI. (THECOUNT) — Sad news coming out of Hawaii as we are learning at least a dozen melon-headed whales are stranded on a Maui beach this week.

Authorities say one whale calf has been found dead on a beach on the Hawaii island of Maui near where 10 other whales were found stranded alive. Veterinarians euthanized four of the whales after determining they were in grave condition and nothing more could be done to save them.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Regional Marine Mammal Response Coordinator David Schofield said Thursday the calf was found about a mile north of the other stranded whales.

Schofield says the calf is believed to be part of the same social grouping as the whales found alive.

The other six whales were refloated to the ocean. Schofield says the six came back ashore but eventually made it out to deeper water, according to YourCentralValley.

Officials said Thursday that veterinarians determined four of the stranded whales were in grave condition and nothing more could be done to save them.

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Geo quick facts: Kīhei is a census-designated place in Maui County, Hawaiʻi, United States. The population was 20,881 at the 2010 census – Wikipedia.