A pod of 77 pilot whales tragically died after stranding on Tresness Beach in Scotland’s Orkney Islands, making it one of the largest mass strandings in decades. The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) discovered 12 whales alive but had to euthanize them after unsuccessful refloating efforts. The pod included males up to 7 meters long, females, and calves.
Experts believe one whale may have encountered trouble, causing the rest to follow. This incident is the largest stranding in Scotland since 1995, when 55 pilot whales stranded on Lewis. The UK’s largest stranding occurred in 1927 with 126 false killer whales in Dornoch Firth.
Rescue teams from BDMLR, the Scottish SPCA, and mainland marine vets faced challenges due to high tides and soft sand, which hampered rescue efforts. The whales were kept alive by pouring seawater over them before the decision was made to euthanize them.
Orkney Islands Council is considering body disposal options, such as burial or removal, due to public health concerns. Andrew Brownlow of the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme has noted an increase in mass stranding events in Scotland, raising concerns about potential hazards for marine animals.
Source: Anadolu Agency (July 13, 2024). 77 pilot whales die in Scotland beach stranding. The Tribune. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2479413/77-pilot-whales-die-in-scotland-beach-stranding
