In a devastating incident, a pod of 77 pilot whales washed ashore on the island of Sanday in Orkney, marking what could be the largest mass stranding in nearly a century. However, initial findings from experts suggest that the whales were healthy before becoming stranded.

Cetacean specialists, renowned for their expertise in aquatic mammals, have been conducting thorough post-mortems on approximately 30 of the stranded whales. Mariel ten Doeschate, from the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, stated that samples were taken to assess the health status of the whales prior to the stranding, and the preliminary results indicate that they were all healthy.

The investigation, which includes eliminating various factors, is being meticulously carried out by experts who have gathered on the island. Ms. ten Doeschate explained that these strandings are typically caused by a combination of factors rather than a single source.

One significant observation made during the examinations was the presence of fresh stomach content in some of the whales, indicating that they had been feeding in the vicinity before the stranding. The sandy nature of the beach where the whales became stranded may have played a role, as it can be difficult for them to detect due to their acoustics.

Pilot whales are known to be social creatures, living in a matriarchal social structure with the oldest female holding authority within the pod. Ms. ten Doeschate highlighted that the whales stranded close together, suggesting a behavioral stress response possibly triggered by a sound or a predator.

To delve further into the investigation, ear samples have been collected from six specific whales to assess for signs of acoustic trauma. The findings from this tragedy will serve a purpose, as they can be used to aid in the conservation of wild whales in the future.

The investigators are also exploring the proximity of killer whales during the incident, considering whether they may have influenced the pilot whales' behavior by pursuing prey or evading a threat.

The pod included male whales measuring up to seven meters (22ft) in length, along with females, calves, and juveniles. British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) confirmed that 12 of the stranded animals were alive when they were discovered at Tresness Beach. Despite efforts to save them, the decision was made to euthanize the whales due to the challenging conditions and the inability to keep them upright.

Orkney Islands Council is currently in discussions with community representatives on the appropriate disposal method for the whale carcasses, with burial being the likely option.

This tragic event is believed to be the largest stranding in the UK since 1927 when more than 130 false killer whales died in the Dornoch Firth. Last year, Lewis witnessed the demise of an entire pod of 55 pilot whales following a similar stranding.

As the investigation unfolds, researchers and experts remain committed to finding answers and understanding the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking incident.