Almost 100 false killer whales beach themselves off South Florida coast

Almost 100 false killer whales that had become beached off a South Florida coastline have died or needed to be euthanised.

Ninety-five false killer whales were spotted on Saturday near Hog Key off the Everglades National Park in Florida, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported via Twitter.

Several rescue agencies attempted to assist the whales back into the water but were unable to save them.

Seventy-two whales died, nine of which had to be euthanised and 13 were “unaccounted for”, the agency said. One whale has been seen alive.

False killer whales are known to become stranded in large groups, according to NOAA.

The mammals are a member of the dolphin family that can weigh up to 700kg.

Authorities have closed off the National Park near where the whales were stranded.