In the largest event of its kind in Australian history ... the death of hundreds of flying whales

Australian officials revealed that 380 flying whales died on a sandbank off the western coast of Australia, and 50 of them were rescued, in the largest accident of its kind in the country's history.

Rescue teams managed to save 50 whales, by dragging them into deep waters, where they were released, while about 30 whales remained on the beach, fighting for their lives until Wednesday afternoon. 

"Russia Today" quoted the Regional Director of Parks and Wildlife in Tasmania Nick Decca as saying: "If she is still alive and in the water, then there is certainly hope for her, but with the passage of time her stress increases and her chances of survival decrease."

It is not clear why the whales are stranded in the area called the Macquarie Head, but the species are prone to reaching the beach with no survivability.

The first group of 270 whales was discovered Monday morning, while another group of 200 whales were spotted by air, on Wednesday, bringing the total number to 470. All the animals in the second group died.

This is said to be the largest such event in Australian history.

It is reported that the flying whale is a type of ocean dolphin, which reaches a length of 7 meters and weighs 3 tons.