The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) discovered 12 whales alive among the stranded pod, which included males up to 7 meters (nearly 23 feet) long, females, and calves. Despite efforts to refloat the survivors, the BDMLR was forced to euthanize the remaining whales due to the failure of these attempts, the BBC reported.
Experts believe the mass stranding occurred because one whale got into trouble, causing the rest of the pod to follow.
This event is the largest stranding in Scotland since 1995. Last year, 55 pilot whales died after stranding on Lewis. The UK’s largest recorded stranding took place in 1927, with 126 false killer whales perishing in Dornoch Firth.
Rescue teams from BDMLR, the Scottish SPCA, and mainland marine veterinarians faced significant challenges due to high tide and soft sand, which hampered their rescue operations. The stranded whales were kept alive temporarily by pouring seawater over them before the decision was made to euthanize them.
The Orkney Islands Council is currently discussing options for the disposal of the whale bodies, considering both burial and removal due to public health concerns.
Andrew Brownlow from the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme noted a worrying increase in mass stranding events in Scotland, raising concerns about potential hazards for marine mammals.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced in marine wildlife conservation and the complexities involved in responding to such tragic events. (ILKHA)