clipped from www.nowpublic.com

52 pilot whales found themselves stranded on a remote Tasmanian beach, and only 13 are still alive.

The whales came ashore yesterday on a high tide at little-used Anthony's Beach, near Stanley. Most were dead before they were found by a woman walking her dog, who called wildlife officials.

The whales were discovered by a member of the public at Stanley on the island's north-west coast, local parks manager Chris Arthur said in a statement.

An attempt would be made to rescue the surviving animals on Sunday, he said.

"We have equipment and whale rescue trailers coming from around the state," Arthur said.