Whales Escape Scottish Loch with Help of Divers
There was more than just the usual deep-sea monster swimming around Scottish Lochs this weekend. A group of more than sixty sperm whales occupied the Loch Carnan for around 72 hours, making scientists fear the risk of damage to the pod on the shallow, rocky bottom.
On Friday, local divers and researchers jumped into the waters hoping to encourage the pod to leave the confined space before incurring damage to the whales. The rescuers’ efforts were in part a success, as the pod left the enclosure for open water with limited harm. Unfortunately, two whale bodies were discovered on the rocks soon after the pod’s departure, likely the result of disease rather than beaching.
Pilot whales often prefer deeper waters, but will travel into shallower water in search for their main food item- squid. Last October, another group of whales became trapped in the same loch, and soon after 33 bodies washed up on a local beach.
"I am pleased to hear that the pod has left the loch and hope they remain in deeper waters,” said Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson. “"The loss of life is very unfortunate but a number of teams working together in South Uist have ensured that a greater tragedy has been averted."
