55 Pilot whales began beaching themselves since early this morning and officials and volunteers have tried in vain to help them back into the water.

Some of the whales were successfully returned to the water with front-end loaders.

About 35 whales that had stranded themselves on Kommetjie beach have been euthanized after efforts to rescue them failed.

Crowds of people had gathered on the beach to watch the rescuse efforts and many became emotional when the decision to euthanize the animals was made.

Nan Rice, head of the Dolphin Action and Protection group said "mass strandings are extremely stressful for whales and to save stranding whales is an extremely difficult task".

As we were walking away, we heard the shots - a sound that will stay with me for a long time.