Pilot whale sighting off Thurso beach sparks alert
MARINE rescue services were on high alert after pilot whales were spotted less than 100 metres from Thurso beach, sparking fears of them being beached.
British Divers Marine Life Rescue made a plea to the public after the mammals were seen swimming close to the shoreline.
A member of the public contacted them at 6.30pm yesterday when they were seen swimming in the area before heading towards Murkle Bay.
However, at first daylight this morning (Thursday), fears had eased as the whales had disappeared out to sea.
A spokeswoman said: “We received a call on Wednesday evening that two whales had been spotted close to Thurso beach.
“The whales would have swam inshore to feed but there is the danger they may have become beached and we asked the public to notify us if they got into trouble.
“As of Thursday morning, there has been no signs of the whales and the alert has been stood down.”