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Fifteen pilot whales 'stranded' on shore at Durness Fifteen pilot whales in trouble in Kyle of Durness
(40 minutes later)
Fifteen pilot whales have come ashore at Kyle of Durness on the north Highland coast, according to British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR). Up to 15 pilot whales have got into difficulty in shallow water with a falling tide at Kyle of Durness, on the remote north Highland coast.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has also been notified of the incident. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said the whales were believed to be from a pod of as many as 60.
The agency said up to 60 animals in total were involved, but the majority were in the sea and not on the shore. A Royal Navy bomb disposal team training in the area has offered its help in any rescue effort.
Members of a Royal Navy bomb disposal team training in the area have offered their assistance in trying to save whales in difficulty. British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) and Scottish SPCA inspectors were heading for the scene.
Nine coastguard volunteers were also at the scene. A Highland Council countryside ranger and nine coastguard volunteers have been monitoring the situation.
The Scottish SPCA has also sent inspectors to Kyle of Durness. The council ranger said that at low tide only a narrow channel of sea remained.
In May, two pilot whales were found dead in a Hebridean loch after experts feared more than 60 of the animals had been at risk of becoming beached. Kyle of Durness opens out into Balnakeil Bay.
The pod had got into difficulty in Loch Carnan in South Uist. Charlie Phillips, a Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) field officer, said the area was remote and it would take rescuers sometime to reach the scene.
Charlie Phillips, a Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) field officer, said the area where the whales had come ashore was remote.
Mr Phillips told the BBC News Scotland website: "It is going to be tricky.Mr Phillips told the BBC News Scotland website: "It is going to be tricky.
"It is a remote and difficult place to get to.""It is a remote and difficult place to get to."
Mr Phillips added: "The whales may have come in from the Pentland Firth, following prey or trying to find somewhere to rest."Mr Phillips added: "The whales may have come in from the Pentland Firth, following prey or trying to find somewhere to rest."
He said a young female pilot whale was found at Scourie, in Sutherland, a few weeks ago.He said a young female pilot whale was found at Scourie, in Sutherland, a few weeks ago.
In May, two pilot whales were found dead in a Hebridean loch after experts feared more than 60 of the animals had been at risk of becoming beached.
The pod had got into difficulty in Loch Carnan in South Uist.
Are you at the Kyle of Durness? Have you seen the whale pod? Send us your comments and photographs using the form below.Are you at the Kyle of Durness? Have you seen the whale pod? Send us your comments and photographs using the form below.
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
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