An extraordinary rescue operation took place last night in the northern town of Ólafsfjörður, where more than 70 pilot whales became stranded near the harbour.
Local media reports that thanks to a coordinated response, all of the whales were successfully refloated and returned to the water.
Initial reports estimated around 40 whales had come ashore, but the actual number was nearly double, making it the largest stranding in the area in living memory.
Help on the way
Rescue teams from Ólafsfjörður, Siglufjörður, Dalvík, and Akureyri responded immediately, supported by police, firefighters, and volunteers.
Lára Stefánsdóttir, a rescue worker, expressed amazement at the outcome.
“I was surprised at how well it went. We didn’t expect to get every one out. We stood in awe when it was over and then watched with drones to see if they would come back in. They had started trying, but we were able to drive them back out,” she told reporters.
A flood during the operation briefly made the task easier, though the work remained physically demanding. “I admire this crew and how everyone just went for it… I never expected them all to swim away,” Lára added.
You can find photos of the rescue operation on Iceland Monitor.
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