It was always a race against time to save this pod of pilot whales stranded in Bunbury harbour in Western Australia.

Twelve of them have died despite the best efforts of local people and wildlife experts to refloat them.

The animals were first spotted yesterday.

Conservationists say local residents were quick to respond. 

"Often in these events and these incidents it takes a whale to gear up and get people here. Being right here in the heart of Bunbury is was very convenient to have people basically on the spot."

The remains of the dead animals were towed onto the beach for disposal.

Four other whales have been pulled into deeper water and local media reports say three were seen swimming slowly away.