Pilot whales usually don't go as far north as Iceland but today a group of over 100 pilot whales swam close to the shore a few kilometers from my home town. As I got to the whales a few whales had already stranded but been rescued back to sea. In the video you can see as a boat arrives to drive them further away from the coast so they don't strand again:
I was hoping their squeeks would be heard on the video, but since this is just recorded on my mobile phone, it's mostly just wind you hear.
It was quite an experience seeing so many whales up close, not the least for the kids. The last time a group of pilot whales came to Iceland was in 1986, so this is not a rare event here.
Pilot whales create strong social bonds and travel in large groups. They are the most common whales to strand and usually strand in large groups. The reason for their stranding is not known and is believed to consist of several combining factors.
Hjörtur
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