Coastguard tasked with 'keeping whales as comfortable as possible'
ITV's Helen Callaghan speaks to St Andrews Coastguard about the deaths of at least 16 whales.
Pilot whales stranded in Fife
Over 20 pilot whales have died after becoming stranded off the coast of Fife. Some were already dead by the time animal rescue teams arrived at the beach in Pittenweem, near St Andrews, but many had to be put down later, the local coastguard said.
Operation to save whales in Scotland continues
A British Divers Marine life spokesman said the whales that had died, had died naturally.
He said several whales were refloated by BDMLR volunteers, some turned back into the harbour and the rest were waiting at the harbour entrance.
The operation is ongoing, he added.
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Seventeen of the whales stranded in Scotland die
Seventeen whales have died in a stranding off the coast of Fife.
The mammals were part of a group of 27 pilot whales stranded at Pittenweem, which is near St Andrews.
Ten of the whales have been refloated. They have been kept alive by vets from British Divers and Marine Life Rescue, with assistance from the emergency services including Fife fire service.
Forth Coastguard was alerted to the accident just after 7am, with first reports indicating a mass stranding of dolphins.
Volunteer medics from BDMLR were dispatched to the vicininty, with specialist rescue pontoons being sent to the spot from across Scotland, Newcastle and Cumbria.
Over 20 whales die in mass stranding off Fife
Over 20 pilot whales have died after becoming stranded off the coast of Fife.
Some were already dead by the time animal rescue teams arrived at the beach in Pittenweem, near St Andrews, but many had to be put down later, the local coastguard said.
Nine of the 30 whales in the mass stranding are being kept alive by vets from British Divers and Marine Life Rescue, with help from the Fife Fire & Rescue Service.
They hope to refloat four of the mammals at high tide this afternoon, the coastguard added.
The public has been urged to stay away to allow the rescue teams to continue their efforts.