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Rescuers aiding a beached pod of whales will have to wait until this evening's high tide for the chance to refloat them

 

It is understood eight or nine have died including a new-born calf.

 

The incident occurred when 21 pilot whales in the Minch grounded ashore.

 

They became stuck at Staffin in the north of Skye by the outgoing tide around 4am.

 

Two died and 20 were helped back to open water by a British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) team.

 

The pod may have beached after following a distressed pregnant female into shallow water. Her calf died at birth.

 

The mother was humanely euthanised as she would not survive, said a BDMLR spokesperson.

 

Later, the refloated animals stranded on the rocky shore on nearby Staffin island.

 

Four of these have died it was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon. A fifth is thought to be close to death.

 

A spokesman said: "There are nine whales alive on the island, with one in a very bad way.  

 

"Four whales were already dead on the island.  

 

"There are currently three swimming offshore and two from the original stranding not accounted for, so hopefully they have gone back to open sea."

 

BDMLR volunteers along with personnel from other agencies continue to give the nine surviving whales first aid with support from local people.

 

He added: "They are not in an easy position as they have stranded awkwardly on rocks, meaning it is difficult to relieve the pressure on their bodies."

 

Stranded whales rescue attempt waits for high tide

2 June 2015