Tragic Stranding of 55 Pilot Whales in Scotland: One of the Largest Ever Recorded

In a heartbreaking incident, 55 pilot whales, a species of toothed whales, were found stranded on a beach on the island of Lewis, west of Scotland. Not a single one of the dolphin-like creatures survived the ordeal. Marine expert Andrew Brownlow from the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS) described the event as one of the largest strandings the organization has ever experienced.

The Rescue Operation and the Unfortunate Outcome

A rescue team was dispatched to the site to aid the stranded whales, but upon arrival, they found only 15 still alive. The casualties included both adult whales and calves. The rescuers attempted to guide two of the surviving whales back to the sea. However, when one of the whales washed up lifeless, the experts concluded that the shallow water and rough waves made it impossible to save them. The tough decision was made to euthanize the remaining whales.

Possible Cause of the Mass Stranding

The mass stranding is suspected to have been triggered by a female pilot whale experiencing complications during childbirth. This speculation arose after a vaginal prolapse was discovered in one of the female whales. SMASS conducted a post-mortem examination on Monday to determine the exact cause of this tragic event.