MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Up to 160 long-finned pilot whales beached on the western Australian coast Thursday and at least 26 died before wildlife authorities could begin a rescue attempt, officials said.

A team of wildlife officers, marine scientists and veterinarians had reached the scene at Toby’s Inlet near the tourist town of Dunsborough, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions said in a statement.

The stranded whales were from four pods spread across 500 meters (1,640 feet) of shore, the department said.

An additional 20 whales were in a pod about 1.5 kilometer (almost a mile) offshore and 110 whales formed a pod closer to the beach, it said.

“Our team is making every effort to safely respond and keep volunteers and staff safe, while also acting in the best interests of the whales,” the statement sad.

“Our team is assessing the conditions of the whales that have stranded on the beach. Our teams on the water are trying to keep the animals together and away from the beach,” the statement added.