majority dead - Everywhere whales are stranded: 77 humpback whales on Scottish island
Dozens of Humpback Whales have stranded and perished on the Scottish Orkney Islands. Doctors discovered 77 Humpback Whales on a beach, of which only 12 were still alive, according to the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR). "Given limited resources and fewer personnel, the health condition of the surviving animals could not be assessed and first aid could be administered before the tide came in."
Among the stranded whales was an entire school of males, up to seven meters long, females, calves, and young ones, reported the BBC. "There are whales everywhere. There's a long line of them, some are still alive," said Emma Neave-Webb from BDMLR to the broadcaster. The cause of the mass stranding is still unclear, it was stated. Possibly a whale was in distress, and the rest tried to help, quoted the BBC experts.
Experts have little hope for living Humpback Whales
The rescuers called on the public to avoid Tresness Beach on the Orkney Island Sanday during the rescue operations. Emergency services from other Orkney locations and from the Scottish mainland are on their way. However, it is unlikely that many animals can still be saved, said Neave-Webb. "We will certainly do our best, but they have been here for some time, so we need to be realistic." The scene is terrible and "very emotional".
Only a year ago, 55 Humpback Whales had stranded on the Scottish Hebrides Island Lewis, only one animal survived. Humpback Whales – also known as Pilot Whales – form extremely close bonds with each other, according to experts. During certain seasons, they travel in large pods, increasing the risk of a mass stranding. Recently, in Australia, dozens of these whales have stranded multiple times. Many died.
The rescue efforts are being coordinated on Tresness Beach, located on the Orkney Island of Sanday, where the stranded Humpback Whales were discovered. Despite reinforcements from various locations, Grindwald, a local resident, expressed his concern, saying, "I hope the rescue team can save as many Wale as possible, it's heartbreaking to see this scene on our beautiful island."
