arine rescuers are attending a “mass stranding” of pilot whales on a Stornoway seashore.

Police have instructed the general public to keep away from the realm to permit the mammals the best probability of survival.

Marine medics have estimated that not less than 55 animals are on the Traigh Mhor seashore in North Tolsta, on the Isle of Lewis.

However, the newest replace from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) has indicated that solely 10 are alive.

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The cause for the stranding is at present unknown; nevertheless, consultants recommend it's common for pilot whales to journey in massive teams.

The actual space of the seashore shouldn't be being reported by rescuers to help with the operation.

Pilot whales are small whales characterised as a part of the dolphin household.

An announcement from the BDMLR on Sunday stated: “This morning around 7am BDMLR were alerted to a mass stranding of pilot whales on the Isle of Lewis via the police.

“Our local marine mammal medics are currently administering first aid to the whales, and medics from surrounding areas are preparing their kit and organising transport to the island.

Reports so far suggest there are around 55 animals; however, the latest update from the scene indicates that only 10 are alive

“Reports so far suggest there are around 55 animals; however, the latest update from the scene indicates that only 10 are alive.

“The Coastguard and Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme have also been tasked to attend.

“The reason for the whales stranding is currently unknown, but pilot whales are notorious for their strong social bonds, so often, when one whale gets into difficulty and strands, the rest follow, leading to more of them stranding.

“We will not be reporting the location of the mass stranding until the situation is resolved.

“We advise that members of the public avoid the area to ensure that our medics and other professionals can attend easily and work efficiently so the team can assess the survivors and determine what can be done.”

A Police Scotland spokesman stated: “Officers are currently assisting partners with a number of stranded pilot whales on the beach at Tolsta, Stornoway.

“To allow the dolphins the best chance of survival please avoid the area.”

A spokeswoman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency stated it was “responding to reports of mammals beached at Traigh Mhor on Isle of Lewis” on Sunday July 16.