Nature Goes Med

A once-in-a-iifetime freak of nature took place on March 18 when 60 whales were left stranded on the far end of Okitu Beach north of Wainui. After a night of lightning, thunder, heavy rain and high seas the whales were left thrashing about in shallow water as the tide receded. How and why they came to be there is a mystery and a matter for supposition.

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One of the whales sprays water about with its tail as it lies in its death throes.

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Left high and dry the mammals provided a source of wonder and interest for thousands of people over three days before they were buried in mass graves by the Ministry of Works.