Mystery as pod of 55 whales dies on Scottish beach

'Often when one whale gets into difficulty and strands, the rest follow'

The pod had become stranded after they washed onto Traigh Mhor beach at North Tolsta on the Isle of Lewis at about 07:00 on Sunday morning.

When the pod was discovered, only 15 of the whales were still alive.

Rescuers from marine charity British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) had attempted to refloat one of the whales, but it became restranded.

Experts then took the decision to euthanise the remaining whales on welfare grounds, the BBC reports.

In a statement, the BDMLR said they suspected the pod had become stranded due to one of the females in the group having complications during birth.

The charity said: “One of the dead whales appeared to have had a vaginal prolapse – so it’s currently suspected that the whole pod stranded due to one female giving birth.

“Pilot whales are notorious for their strong social bonds, so often when one whale gets into difficulty and strands, the rest follow.”

The coastguard, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, police and Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS) were also at the scene on Sunday. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles council) said it had sent officers.

BDMLR added: “At about 3.30pm, the local vet along with the coastguard, fire and rescue, and a forensics vet came to the conclusion that the shallow beach and rough wave conditions made it too unsafe to refloat the remaining animals.

“Considering how long the pilot whales had been out of the water in addition to the poor conditions, it was decided that they should be euthanised on welfare grounds."

SMASS will now carry out post mortem examinations of the bodies to conclude the cause of the stranding.

People have been told by the Western Isles Council - Comhairle nan Eilean Siar - has asked people to avoid the area as a clean-up operation began.

A Comhairle spokesperson said: "Comhairle nan Eilean Siar asks that the public follow police advice and avoid Traigh Mhòr.

"The Comhairle has engaged with professionals and is now working with partner organisations to clear the beach."

Related links:

$500,000 chunk of ‘floating gold’ found in dead whale

This is why White Gladis the orca has started a killer whale uprising and won’t stop sinking boats

Man sparks debate after taking 20 snakes to sunbathe in local park