Mass stranding of 55 whales in Scotland caused by loyalty towards pod

"Experts from the Scottish government's Marine Directorate reported that the group of pilot-finned whales, who are a highly social species, had likely followed the female into shallow waters on the Isle of Lewis while she was in distress. The investigation found that animals had been in good health overall prior to their deaths at the time of the incident in July 2023, with no underlying diseases or viral infections identified."

"Upon arriving at the scene, the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDLMR) confirmed 15 of the animals were still alive, but the response was hampered by the remote location, poor mobile phone communication and bad weather. Only one of the 55 animals was successfully refloated and the remainder either died or were euthanised on welfare grounds."

A mass stranding of 55 pilot whales on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland resulted in the deaths of more than 50 animals. Scottish government Marine Directorate experts determined the whales likely followed a distressed female into shallow waters during a difficult birth. The animals were in good health with no underlying diseases or infections. The incident was reported early morning to Police Scotland, and British Divers Marine Life Rescue responded but faced challenges from the remote location, poor communications, and adverse weather. Only one whale was successfully refloated; the remainder died or were euthanized on welfare grounds.

Read at www.independent.co.uk