Rescuers trying to help 149 dolphins stranded on Japan beach

April 10, 2015 - Rescuers try to help a stranded dolphin at the shore in Hokota, north of Tokyo. Nearly 150 dolphins were found washed ashore the coast in central Japan. (AP/ Kyodo News)

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Dolphins lie on the beach in Hokota, north of Tokyo, Friday, April 10, 2015. Nearly 150 dolphins were found washed ashore the coast in central Japan on Friday morning. A Hokota city official said a total of 149 dolphins were found stranded on the beach by noon local time. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT (The Associated Press)

TOKYO – About 150 dolphins have beached themselves on Japan's northeastern coast, and efforts are underway to help them.

Officials said the dolphins were stranded on the beach in Hokota, a coastal city northeast of Tokyo, over a stretch of about 6 miles.

Some of the dolphins, mostly melon-headed whales or blackfish, were found alive but were extremely weak and later died.

Television footages showed dozens of people carrying buckets and pouring sea water over the dolphins, or even covering them with bath towels, to keep them from drying up.

City authorities, the coast guard and an aquarium were working to rescue the dolphins, measuring between 2 to 3 yards long.

Public television NHK reported that the coast guard transported three in good health off shore and released them.