There were some dramatic scenes along the shoreline in Playa Blanca recently as a 20 strong pod of pilot whales attempted to beach themselves just off the coast at Los Colorados. Resulting in tourists and locals joining together to create a human chain that eventually helped to force the confused ceteceans back out into the open waters of the Atlantic.
This type of self imposed stranding is particularly common amongst pilot whales, although the scientific community remains divided as to just why this strange phenomenon occurs.
According to some experts, group strandings of this type are caused by the sonar systems of submarines, which are thought to somehow interfere with whales’ steering and navigation systems. Others believe that it is more to do with the intensely social nature of the pod, which means that when one member is unwell it is possible for them to lead the rest into shallow and hence dangerous waters.
Another school of thought links beach strandings to weather and feeding patterns, as a 2004 study undertaken by the Univeristy of Tasmania found that when cool Antarctic waters, rich with fish and plankton flow northwards the whales oursue their prey as it gets ever close to dry land.
Either way disater was averted thanks to the quick thinking of the tourists and locals on the beach at that time. Although local experts have urged ongoing vigilance as they believe further strandings could reoccur at any time.
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