Mass stranding of whales on Orkney beach leads to tragic deaths

In a tragic event on Tresness Beach in Orkney, Scotland, a pod of 77 long-finned pilot whales experienced one of the largest mass strandings in decades. The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) responded to the distressing scene, where only 12 of the whales were found alive. Despite efforts to save them, the decision was made to euthanize the remaining whales due to their deteriorating condition after being stranded for hours. Experts are still investigating the cause of the stranding, with the possibility that one whale encountered trouble leading to the rest of the pod following. This incident marks a significant event in Scotland, with the last comparable mass stranding occurring almost a year ago on the Isle of Lewis. The Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (Smass) will conduct autopsies to determine the circumstances that led to this tragedy. The rescue efforts were challenging as the high tide cut off access to the stranded whales, and the soft sand hindered attempts to right them. Despite pouring sea water over the whales in an effort to keep them alive, the decision to euthanize them was made due to their injuries and the incoming tide. The BDMLR and other rescue teams worked tirelessly to manage the difficult situation, but the outcome was devastating. Mass strandings of this scale are becoming more common in Scotland, raising concerns among experts about the potential hazards faced by marine animals. The increase in both the frequency and size of mass stranding events in recent years is prompting further investigation into the factors contributing to these tragic incidents. As the community mourns the loss of these majestic creatures, efforts continue to understand and address the challenges faced by marine wildlife in the region.