Two pilot whales have died following a mass stranding event off the Northumberland coast. British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) reported being alerted on Sunday at 15:00 BST to a group of approximately 40 whales near Amble, exhibiting behaviour typically seen before a stranding.
Attempts by local boats with medics to herd the whales offshore were unsuccessful, as the animals remained tightly packed around one that was motionless. On Monday, about a dozen whales were found stranded on Coquet Island, with six animals located upon investigation – five ashore and one afloat.
The BDMLR confirmed that two of the stranded whales had died. Due to tidal conditions and restricted access to the island, further attempts to refloat the live animals were not possible, leading rescue teams to withdraw. The BDMLR stated it would remain in the area to provide care and attempt to refloat healthy whales.