Rescuers refloat several pilot whales pod at Brogaig Bay on Staffin Island but 11 are still stranded and five others have died

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

Five whales have died and 11 others are stranded off the Isle of Skye after becoming stuck on rocks on Staffin Island off the northern coast earlier on Tuesday.

A team from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) is tending to the stranded mammals and giving first aid to them.

A spokesman said: “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.”

Hugh Ross (@HRStaffin) Boat coming into #Staffin Bay to aid rescue efforts of stranded whales. Saw couple of whales on shoreline, sadly. pic.twitter.com/Lsy162vLTJ

The BDMLR was alerted to a pod of 21 pilot whales that had become stranded at Brogaig Bay on Skye at about 4am.

Rescuers said 18 were refloated before 16 became stranded again on Staffin Island. Two whales died and a pregnant female who was not expected to survive was euthanised, the BDMLR said.

Scotland’s environment secretary, Richard Lochhead, said: “I am very concerned to hear about this stranding of pilot whales on Skye. Marine Scotland and BDMLR are currently working hard to alleviate the situation.

“We have a patrol vessel and other staff on site and I am being kept informed of the situation. Sadly it appears that some of the whales have already died and the situation is becoming increasingly difficult as the outgoing tide is leaving the stranded animals out of the water.”

The pod was first spotted off Staffin at 4.30pm on Monday.