Stranded whales return to deeper waters

The last of four surviving whales from a mass stranding at Bunbury Harbour south of Perth, appear to have swum out to sea.

Twelve of the 22 long-finned pilot whales that were stranded along the harbour's breakwater wall and adjacent beach on Monday died, despite the efforts of rescuers, who managed to herd six others out to sea.

One of the four more that were stuck in the shallows, became re-stranded and had to be taken out to deeper water again.

The other three were not swimming strongly and there were fears they would also re-strand.

But on Tuesday morning, Department of Parks and Wildlife nature conservation leader Kim Williams said a spotter plane had flown a circuit 40km either side of Bunbury and not seen any more strandings on the beach or in the water.