A pod of nearly a dozen orca whales trapped by ice in water off the coast of Japan, have successfully escaped, according to officials. News sources have reported that some of the ice melted or shifted just enough for the whales to swim away.
According to BBCNews, the stranded orcas had been spotted by a fisherman earlier in the week just off the coast of Hokkaido. Video footage from a drone, showed the whales packed closely together with their heads above water in order to breathe. There were also signs of bleeding at their jaws, indicating the whales had been biting at the ice to free themselves. More videos seemed to indicate the whales had been taking turns breathing in the small amount of free space. The photos showed at least three or four calves.
The photos and the news of the whales’ dangerous predicament went viral, and an official response stated the whales safety had been closely monitored. One agency asked the Japanese government to deploy an ice breaker to help free the trapped whales. A subsequent land based search on Wednesday late afternoon did not discover any whales.
Later in the day, the news broke stating the whales had escaped, and speculations included the whales were able to maneuver their way out between the gaps of ice.
Although it can’t be 100% confirmed the whales escaped, Japanese authorities are quite certain they found their way to freedom.
Orcas have distinct physical characteristics, and it is hoped some time down the road, a fisherman or sightseeing boat will see them. For now, we hope they are all on their way to better conditions.
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