More than 150 false killer whales have washed ashore on the Australian island of Tasmania, and 14 of them have died, informed the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE).

According to the DNRE, at least 150 false killer whales were found on the island's northwestern coast, where the Arthur River flows into the ocean.

Initial assessments have shown that 136 false killer whales are still alive, and the DNRE is working with Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service rangers to prepare countermeasures.

The DNRE added that it will be difficult to provide assistance to these animals that have washed ashore, as the coast is remote and it is difficult to get specialized equipment there.

Veterinarians and marine biologists are on site assessing the condition of the surviving false killer whales, as well as trying to pull some of them from the sandbar.