Sunday, September 2, 2012

Animal rescue experts called to mass stranding of whales on coast of Fife, Scotland - @BBCNews

Dead whalesAbout 17 whales are believed to have died after becoming stranded

Animal rescue experts have been called to a mass stranding of whales on the coast of Fife.

About 17 whales are thought to have died and unconfirmed reports have suggested that many others are stranded.

The incident between Anstruther and Pittenweem involves pilot whales, each of them approximately 20ft (6m) long.

The surviving whales - believed to number about 12 - are being kept alive until high tide on Sunday afternoon.

Forth coastguard were alerted to the incident at about 07:00 BST on Sunday.

Three of the whales are believed to be young pups.