(London) At least 55 cetaceans have washed up on a beach on the Isle of Lewis and Harris, west of Scotland, most of whom have perished, rescuers said on Sunday.
According to the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), only 10 of these cetaceans – also known as pilot dolphins or pilot whales because of their gregarious behavior – are still alive.
The reasons for this “massive stranding” are not known, but it is common for these marine mammals of the dolphin family to move in groups, specifies the organization.
BDMLR specialists went on site to treat the cetaceans. They called on the public to avoid the area, the exact location of which they did not disclose until “the situation is resolved”.
“To allow the dolphins the best chance of survival, please avoid the area,” said Scottish police.