13 whales dead in stranding off Scottish coast

LONDON – A wildlife rescue organization says 13 whales have died following a mass stranding off the Scottish coast.

British Divers and Marine Life Rescue said Sunday that the mammals were among a group of 26 pilot whales stranded at Pittenweem, in eastern Scotland.

Coast guards, volunteer medics, fire crews and police are all also involved in efforts to rescue the 13 still living.

But rescue coordinator Gareth Norman said that it was likely more of the whales would die.

A further 24 pilot whales from the same pod are currently in shallow water three miles (4.8km) along the coast at Cellardyke.