- As many as 40 pilot whales were stranded on Traigh Mhor beach on Scotland’s Isle of Lewis, with 10 whales surviving the incident.
- The cause of the mass stranding remains unknown, leaving marine experts puzzled and prompting an urgent response from authorities and rescue teams.
- Pilot whales are known for their strong social bonds, which might have led to a chain reaction, causing more whales to become stranded after one faced difficulty.
Dozens of Pilot Whales Stranded on Scotland’s Isle of Lewis, 40 Dead
In a tragic incident on Sunday, as many as 40 pilot whales were stranded on Traigh Mhor beach, located on Scotland’s Isle of Lewis. The cause of this mass stranding, which has left authorities puzzled, is yet to be determined.
The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) reported that out of the stranded whales, only 10 managed to survive. Upon learning of the situation, the BDMLR and local marine mammal medics rushed to the scene to provide aid to the distressed whales. Other medics from surrounding areas were also preparing to join the rescue efforts.
The spokeswoman for BDMLR emphasized that the reason behind the whales’ stranding remains unknown. Reports initially indicated that approximately 55 whales were stranded, but later updates revealed that only 10 were still alive.
Authorities, including the coastguard and the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, were immediately mobilized to attend to the distressing situation. Police urged the public to refrain from approaching the area to increase the stranded whales’ chances of survival.
Pilot whales, belonging to the dolphin family, are known for their strong social bonds. When one whale faces difficulty and becomes stranded, it often leads to a chain reaction, with others following suit and also getting stranded.
Local MP Angus Brendan MacNeil shared images of the stranded whales on social media, indicating the severity of the incident. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency also responded promptly to the emergency.
The BDMLR, established in 1988, has been training volunteer marine mammal medics and strategically placing 20 whale rescue pontoons across the UK to assist stranded whales and dolphins. This incident is reminiscent of past mass strandings of pilot whales in Scotland, with the largest one involving a pod of over 70 animals.
Published in PakWeb, July 17, 2023.
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