SANTIAGO, Chile — Chilean officials said Friday that a few dozen endangered sei whales have been found beached along the southern coast.

Foreign scientists discovered the whales on the Gulf of Penas and reported them to the National Fisheries Service. A statement from government officials said there were around 20 whales, while the scientists said they counted more than 30.

It’s the first time sei whales have been found beached in Chile, the fisheries service said.