Record live whale stranding on Donegal beach

Conservationists have been trying their best to support up to eight whales in Donegal in what is described as the largest ever stranding of their species on the island.
By Philip Bradfield
Published 19th Aug 2020, 21:51 BST
Updated 19th Aug 2020, 22:17 BST
Some of the seven or eight Northern Bottlenose Whales stranded at Rossnowlagh, Donegal on August 18, 202. Photos: Nicola Coyle/IWDGSome of the seven or eight Northern Bottlenose Whales stranded at Rossnowlagh, Donegal on August 18, 202. Photos: Nicola Coyle/IWDG
Some of the seven or eight Northern Bottlenose Whales stranded at Rossnowlagh, Donegal on August 18, 202. Photos: Nicola Coyle/IWDG

The plight of the Northern bottlenose whales at Rossnowlagh was first flagged up this morning by the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG).

In a Facebook post the organisation said: “Very little can be done for these deep-diving offshore species, which are the largest member of the beaked whale family. Please give them space and respect to die without too much stress.”

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It said that trained experts were on site to care for the whales.

A few hours later IWDG said the tide was coming in on the whales and that some were stranded and some still in the water.

“All are alive but stressed, with a high breathing rate.”

“Euthanasia of whales of this size is very difficult without Immobolin, which is not available in the Republic,” it said. “Shooting requires highly trained personnel.”

National Park and Wildlife Service and Donegal County Council officials were on their way to assess the situation.

However, there was some more positive news about 6pm today.

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IWDG reported that one whale had managed to refloat itself and swam out with the incoming tide.

“We are cautiously optimistic it will make it out but IWDG will standby and check to see if it restrands.”

IWDG CEO Simon Berrow said it appeared to be the largest mass stranding of the species ever on the island.

“The males can weigh three or four tonnes so it is not really practical to move them,” he said. “Very little can be done.”

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He could not say why they had stranded but said loud noises would typically be to blame.

Hundreds of concerned people left messages of support on the Facebook site.

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