Updated: Live stranding of Northern bottlenose whales on Donegal beach

The Irish Whale and Dolphin group has been providing updates on the sad situation since the stranding this morning (Wednesday) on its Facebook page and confirmed that there is ‘very little that can be done for these deep-diving offshore species, which are the largest member of the beaked whale family.’

They urged people to ‘please give them space and respect to die without too much stress.’

There are trained IWDG members and National Parks and Wildlife on site.

The IWDG said some of the whales are stranded and some are still in water.

“All alive but stressed with high breathing rate. IWDG providing some first aid on the beach. Euthanasia of whales of this size very difficult without Immobolin, which is not available in the Republic. Shooting requires highly trained personnel. NPWS and Donegal County Council on their way to assess situation too.”

In the most recent update, published just after 5pm, they told how one whale could be seen lifting its head to breathe,. It has refloated 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.”

You can follow updates on the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group Facebook page.

Images are by Nicola Coyle/IWDG who is on the beach.