Officials say up to 160 pilot whales beached on western Australian coast and at least 26 have died

Authorities in Australia say up to 160 long-finned pilot whales beached on the western Australian coast and at least 26 have died before wildlife authorities could begin a rescue attempt. A team of wildlife officers, marine scientists and veterinarians reached the scene Thursday at Toby’s Inlet near the tourist town of Dunsborough. Officials say the stranded whales are from four pods spread across 1,640 feet of shore. Officials had urged the public not to attempt to rescue the whales without direction from government staff because that may cause further injury, distress and hinder a coordinated rescue effort.