A stretch of coast in Chile has become a grave for 337 whales in what experts believe is one of the largest beachings ever recorded.

The sea whales were discovered in June by scientists on an observation flight over fjords in the country’s southern Patagonia region.

The team have been collecting samples since that time.

Biologist Vreni Haussermann, director of the Huinay Scientific Field Station, which focuses on marine research, said: “This is one of the largest strandings worldwide.”

The conclusions of the find will be published in a scientific journal later this year.

The cause of the deaths of more than 300 whales is unknown, although human intervention has been ruled out.

Researchers believe the whales died at sea.

Scientists found 305 bodies and 32 skeletons of whales in aerial and satellite photography between the Gulf of Penas and Puerto Natales.

(Picture: AP)