Some of the animals
Some of the animals
Around 60 pilot whales were found stranded on Ólafsfjörður beach in Iceland on Sunday, June 22, with locals and emergency services rushing to save the mammals

A dramatic whale rescue has gripped northern Iceland after dozens of pilot whales were spotted stuck on the sands of Ólafsfjörður beach last Sunday (June 22).

Locally nicknamed grindhvalur, almost 60 beached whales triggered a massive save operation as locals and emergency services sprinted to the isolated spot. With united efforts, all whales were guided back into the sea by 7 pm, ending the shore-side drama.

The stranded pod was possibly tailing mackerel, a type of fish lured north by balmy sea temperatures, before losing their way and ending up in shallow waters, report local news hounds. Marc Sánchez, a 26-year-old hotel employee from Barcelona who's summering in Ólafsfjörður, captured the rescue frenzy on camera following an urgent ring from his mate.



A huge rescue operation was launched
A huge rescue operation was launched
Hotel staffer and prolific content creator Marc recounted feeling gobsmacked at the up-close whale encounter: "I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

"It was the first time in my life witnessing whales from so close and even being able to touch them. I felt a mix of emotions. Amazement, sadness and frustration.

"I wanted to help them, but it was impossible." He mentioned some whales measured a hefty four metres and tipped the scales at over a tonne.

In praise of the community spirit, Marc continued: "The response was incredible but it wasn't just the professionals.

"The entire village pitched in the rescue, me included."

Braving the ice-cold waters briefly, he said: "The water was freezing, so I couldn't stay in for long but I tried my best to assist however I could."

Earlier this year a tragic pod of 157 false killer whales became stranded on a remote Australian beach after following each other to the shore, an expert said.

The gentle giants were beached for more than 48 hours when the heartbreaking decision was made to euthanise them 'humanely' on Thursday to avoid a slow, painful death lasting days.

After this wildlife pathologists carried out tests to determine the whales' health and why they became stranded near Arthur River on Tasmania's northwest coast.

Marine expert Frankie Hobro said the sociable creatures may have got into difficulty because they like to stick together and may have followed one of their pod to the beach after it became sick or disorientated.