Whales die off coast of Scotland but hope for rescued mammals
More than a dozen whales have died in a mass stranding off the coast of Scotland, as rescuers struggle to rescue the rest of the pod.
Tens of rescuers, watched by hundreds of spectators, worked through the day to keep the whales alive using wet blankets
At high tide ten of the whales were floated and it is now hoped they will remain at sea Photo: GETTY
The 26 pilot whales were discovered on the beach at Pittenweem near St Andrews on Sunday morning.
Tens of rescuers, watched by hundreds of spectators, worked through the day to keep the whales alive using wet blankets. At high tide ten of the whales were floated and it is now hoped they will remain at sea.
However 16 of the whales, including four calves have died.
It is believed the 20-feet long animals became stranded after following a sick animal onto shore.
Ali Jack, the Scottish co-ordinator of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, said the ten surviving whales may become stranded again or die from stress.
"We are hopeful all the ten will survive - but I would say the chances are 50-50. It is up to the animals now. People here certainly couldn't have done more - they were magnificent."
Rescuers were also worried about a further 24 pilot whales from the same pod are in the shallows three miles along the coast at Cellardyke. It is hoped the whales will "work together" to go back out to sea.
Meanwhile officials and volunteers attempt to save a pod of 22 pilot whales found beached on the Florida coastline. Rescue teams poured water on the mammals and transported them onto trucks to be taken to a rehabilitation centre. Only five whales, two calves and three juveniles, survived.
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Very very sad.