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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Caroline Davies

Large pod of pilot whales almost wiped out after stranding on Orkney beach

Pilot whales stranded on Sanday, Orkney, 11 July, 2024
Pilot whales stranded on Sanday, Orkney, pictured at 10.45am, 11 July, 2024. Photograph: Emma Neave-Webb/BDMLR

Dozens of long-finned pilot whales have died after a 77-strong pod came ashore on an Orkney beach in what could be the biggest mass stranding in decades.

Twelve of the animals at Tresness beach, on the island of Sanday, were still alive, but according to rescuers from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), it was thought unlikely they could be saved.

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