Seven of the eight whales stranded on a Donegal beach have now died.
The Northern Bottlenosed Whales were discovered on Rossnowlagh beach this morning.
Throughout the day volunteers from the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group and members of the public did all they could to help the beached creatures.
Dr Simon Berrow of the IWDG revealed earlier that this was the largest stranding of this species on Irish shores.
The IWDG has now confirmed that seven of the eight stranded whales have now died.
The group has also appealed to members of the public not to travel to the beach in Rossnowlagh to take pictures with the one surviving whale.
It is understood that large numbers of people have gathered at the shoreline.
A spokesperson said “Unfortunately, IWDG are receiving upsetting news from our members on site from Donegal were crowds of people are going out to see and take selfies with the only surviving Northern Bottlenose Whale.
“Although we understand people want to see this large whale, we strongly urge members of the public to keep a safe distance from this whale and to be respectful, allowing our trained members on site to do there job.
“Donegal County Council and the gardai are en route to set up a barrier. We ask you to please respect it.”
Picture courtesy of Thomas and Louise Coleman and the IWDG.
