WELLINGTON, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- At least 12 pygmy killer whales have died after becoming stranded on New Zealand's Ninety Mile Beach, with conservation officials, Maori tribes and volunteers continuing efforts to rescue surviving whales.

Between 12 and 15 whales had died so far, while an unknown number had been refloated from the beach in New Zealand's Far North, an official from the Department of Conservation told Radio New Zealand (RNZ) on Friday.

The department was alerted to the stranding at about 7:00 p.m. on Thursday local time. Staff went to the site but withdrew as an incoming tide and fading light made conditions unsafe, RNZ reported.

Rescue efforts continued on Friday in challenging conditions, with the department working with Far North Maori tribes. Dead whales were being moved for burial, according to the report.

Pygmy killer whales, a species of oceanic dolphin which can grow up to 2.6 meters long, had stranded on Ninety Mile Beach before. About 12 stranded in 2018, with eight transported to calmer waters on the opposite coast. Only one survived the subsequent refloating attempt, the report said. ■

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