December 5, 2013 — Thirty five pilot whales from the group trapped on the Gulf coast of Everglades National Park moved into deeper water Thursday afternoon, giving rescuers hope that they won’t beach themselves.
In a telephone news conference, the stranding coordinator for NOAA Fisheries said the whales had entered water 12 feet deep about six miles out and appeared to be heading farther out to sea. Boats from various state, federal and non-profit agencies used “gentle herding” techniques by positioning themselves between the whales and the shore to keep them going in the right direction.
“It’s definitely encouraging they’re moving in the offshore direction and that they left the deceased whales, which is a good sign,” said Blair Mase of NOAA Fisheries. “We are encouraged and hopeful, but there is no guarantee they will keep moving offshore.”
The whales typically live in water at least 1,000 feet deep. Of the 51 that ended up trapped in the shallows along the park’s remote Gulf coast, six beached themselves and died and four were found to be in such poor condition that they were euthanized. Another one turned up dead Thursday. That leaves five whose status is unknown. Mase said it’s possible they had died and sunk to the bottom.
A Coast Guard cutter will remain in the area overnight and rescuers will return to the scene Friday.
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