Rescue Mission Accomplished: Stranded 9-Meter Humpback Whale Saved in Scotland

An exceptional rescue took place on the coast of Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, when a humpback whale measuring almost 9 meters found itself stranded on a beach on October 15. This rare event mobilized local rescue teams, including British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), and resulted in the animal returning to deep waters, after several hours of waiting.

The critical first hours of the rescue

On Tuesday October 15, around 3:30 p.m., the BDMLR was alerted to a stranded humpback whale near Southerness. Members of the public reported loud noises, with the mammal violently striking the water with its tail fins in an attempt to free itself from the sand. The whale, stuck as the tide fell, measured approximately 9 meters long, and appeared to be in great distress.

First responders, comprised of specialist volunteers and members of the local community, quickly took photos to document the whale's condition.

The images show the animal lying on a vast expanse of dry sand, unable to move. Given the size and weight of these whales, any attempt at manual movement was ruled out. Rescuers then opted for an approach consisting of stabilizing the animal and waiting for the tide to return.

Stuck in the sand on a Scottish beach, this stranded humpback whale survived thanks to the rapid return of the tide.
Credit: Alistair Bertram/Katie Kolita

Stranding made more difficult by geography

The beach where the incident took place is known for its vast stretches of sand which, at low tide, leave miles of exposed ground, as reported by the BBC. Experts stressed that this configuration made any rescue operation particularly complicated.

One of the speakers, Alistair Bertram, BDMLR deputy coordinator for the region, noted that this area of ​​the Scottish coastline, with its flat bottom, is prone to extreme tides, which can easily trap large marine mammals.

He said the stranding of humpback whales, especially live ones, was extremely rare in the UK. Teams have only responded to a few similar cases over the years, with most whales eventually dying before being rescued.

Fortunately, in this specific case, the tide returned fairly quickly, allowing the animal not to suffer for too long. Experts estimate that the wait lasted only a few hours, which largely contributed to the animal's survival. As night fell, the teams had to withdraw. Reduced visibility no longer made it possible to intervene. They therefore left the whale to the forces of nature, in the hope that it would be protected by the environment.

An unexpected outcome

On Wednesday morning, at first light, a new team from the BDMLR went to the site to check if the whale was still stranded. To their great relief, the animal had disappeared. This event shows what can be accomplished when locals and marine rescue teams act quickly. Collaboration is crucial in these emergency situations.

Rescuers assumed that the rising tide was enough to put it back at sea. However, they recalled that this return to the ocean did not 100% guarantee the whale's safety. Over the following days the coasts of Dumfries and Galloway were carefully monitored. Officials wanted to make sure the animal wouldn't become stranded again. Indeed, after such an incident, the whales may be weakened or disoriented. The days that follow therefore require special attention to ensure their condition.

A rare but hopeful event

Rescues of stranded whales are always delicate operations. Even more so when it comes to large species like humpback whales. Due to their large size, it is often impossible to move them safely.

BDMLR members stressed the importance of remaining vigilant on the coasts. Particularly in areas with powerful tides, this vigilance is crucial. Although humpback whale strandings in the UK remain rare, they are not impossible. Rescue teams, meanwhile, will continue to carefully monitor the area. This will prevent any further drama.