Twelve out of 22 long-finned pilot whales stranded along the breakwater wall and adjacent beach at Bunbury Harbour in Western Australia's South West region have died.
Six other whales have been herded out to sea, while authorities are working to rescue four more stuck in the shallows.
Department of Parks and Wildlife nature conservation leader Kim Williams said the four remaining whales were pulled out to sea using a sling and boats.
"Unfortunately, one of these whales has re-stranded and is being taken out to deeper water again, while the other three are not swimming strongly and there is a chance they will also re-strand," he said.
Mr Williams said there was another pod of 15 long-finned pilot whales in the area and authorities hoped the released whales would join them.
The public has been warned to stay away because the rocks and whales are a safety risk.
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