Nearly 200 pilot whales stranded themselves on New Zealand's South Island yesterday, with hordes of rescuers rushing to the remote area in a bid to guide them back to sea. Two dozen of the 198 whales had already died despite efforts to save the creatures, which were found stranded on Farewell Spit, a famous spot for whale beachings, Department of Conservation area manager Andrew Lamason said. Experts describe Farewell Spit, located on the northwest corner of South Island, as a whale trap due to the way its shallow waters seem to confuse whales and diminish their ability to navigate.

Nearly 200 whales stranded on New Zealand beach. (2015, February 14). The Philippine Star, p. A-22.