By J. Brock (FINN)

An estimated ninety Pilot Whales have beached themselves on Elephant Beach in the Falkland Islands. This tragedy comes on the heals of other recent marine tragedies in the area.

The stranding happened during the holiday season and it remained unreported until late last week. By this time, it was too late to re-float those whales that survived the stranding as they were too weak to be put back into the water.

Evidence gathered at the scene by members of the Fisheries Department and two Conservation Officers indicate that both the weather and indigenous wildlife played a part in the illnesses in the surviving whales. All that could be done was by those attending the scene was to take samples and carry out some tests.

At present it is not known why the pod beached themselves but it is thought that thunderstorms in the area at the end of last month may have been a contributing factor, as lightening strikes interfere with a whales navigational abilities.

Staff at Falklands Conservation say that it is important to report Whale stranding as it is possible to help the whales if they are reached in time.