© Emily Mayman / BDMLR / SWNSThe mass stranding is distressing
A pod of at least 10 whales has washed up on a beach and rescuers have warned the surviving four cannot be saved and will be left to die.
Six of the sperm whales are thought to already be dead after they were spotted on the beach between Tunstall and Withernsea, in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
A Marine Life rescue team, the coastguard and police have all been called to scene in Humberside, but there is little that can be done.
Julia Cable spokeswoman for British Divers Marine Life Rescue said a team is at the scene and it is clear the sperm whales have not eaten for some time.
She told The Mirror: "We think there are now nine animals.
She added: "If we can get to them, it wouldn't be a rescue, we can't do anything and we can't put them to sleep due to their size.
"They haven't eaten for a long time, they are in the wrong place.
"We are just going to observe them."
Emily Mayman, an experienced medic with British Divers Marine Life Rescue, was called to the scene after passers-by spotted the gigantic sperm whales stranded on the coast.
The 30-year-old said: "We suspect it's about 10 whales. But we're waiting on more information at the moment.
© Richard Addison/Hull Daily Mail
"We're not sure what caused this - but sometimes you get this happening to sperm whales dotted around the coastline.
"It's a massive shame.
"There's not much we can do with them. They are such big animals. Their skulls alone are so heavy so rescue operations are very difficult.
"They are a deep diving species, it's not in their best interest to try and put them back out again.
"It's very sad to see because they may be sick."
"The tide is crazy strong today so hopefully some will re-float but normally when you see a group like this it's not a great sign.
"It's more than you'd expect - it's the most I've seen. It's classed a mass stranding."
A large crowd of people has gathered at the scene which has police say is causing "some concerns over their safety" and the safety of those trying to rescue the whales.
Chief Superintendent Darren Downs has said, "I understand the public interest in the incident but I would urge people to stay away from the area to allow the teams from HM Coast Guard to manage what is an extremely distressing scene.
"I would also remind people that there is a risk to themselves and others as crowds gather to witness the scene.
"The Covid-19 pandemic remains a high risk to public health people should not gather in groups as there is a danger of transmission amongst the crowds.
"Please stay away from the area and support your emergency services in dealing with the situation throughout the day."
Earlier, a spokeswoman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: "Just before 8.30am today HM Coastguard received a 999 call from a member of the public with a report of seeing a number of whales on the shoreline at Withernsea beach.
"Coastguard rescue teams from Withernsea, Hornsea and Easington have been sent.
The number of whales involved is yet to be confirmed but initial reports suggest it may be up to seven.
"Members of the public are asked to stay away from the scene to allow the authorities to work safely."
Comment: In the last few days dead whales have also washed up in Piraeus, Greece and Pembrokeshire, Wales.