SYDNEY - Four false killer whales have died after a group became stranded on a beach on Australia's south coast.

Authorities in Western Australia said on Tuesday that seven false killer whales were found on House Beach, over 400 km southeast of Perth in the state's Great Southern region, on Monday afternoon local time.

The Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) confirmed that four of the false killer whales, which are a species of oceanic dolphin that bears a resemblance to orcas, died overnight, while three were still alive on the beach as of Tuesday morning.

ALSO READ: Australia begins euthanizing false killer whales after mass stranding

A spokesperson for the DBCA said that staff were on the scene and assessing the situation to determine the most appropriate and humane course of action, which they said was likely to be euthanasia.

READ MORE: Dozens of false killer whales stranded on remote Australian beach

Members of the public have been advised to avoid the area, and a shark warning has been issued due to carcasses about 20 meters offshore.

It comes after a pod of 157 false killer whales became stranded on a beach on the island state of Tasmania in February. All 90 that were still alive when the pod was discovered were euthanized following unsuccessful refloating attempts.

In April 2024, 160 pilot whales stranded themselves on a beach in Dunsborough, 400 km west of House Beach. More than 100 were rescued.