Las Coloradas de Papagayo beach witnessed an unusual episode this Thursday. Up to 12 to 20 cetaceans, specifically tropical pilot whales, arrived there and appeared just 5 meters from the coast. In fact, they were about to run aground on the shore, but dozens of bathers who were in the area prevented it.
"The tourists and bathers who were in the area made a chain and prevented the animals from running aground on the beach," Vidal Martín, president of the Society for the Study of Cetaceans, explained to La Voz. This expert points out, however, that they remain "on alert" because the animals could reappear "at any moment."
Video broadcast by "Emilola" on Instagram.
Vidal Martín was alerted to what happened and has moved to the area. According to reports from the Papagayo Arena hotel, very close to this beach, its workers have also notified the Seprona of the Civil Guard. Upon his arrival, Martín toured the area in search of the animals and "alerted people to call if they appeared."
Emerlan video
And, as Martín explains, these animals are "oceanic" and are usually found at a depth "that exceeds one thousand meters." Thus, "it is not usual" for them to appear so close to the coast. When they do, "normally, it is because one of the animals is sick and the group is around."
In the event that this group of pilot whales were to become stranded on the beach, the operation to return them to the water would be "very difficult," the expert points out. For these cases, the Government of the Canary Islands has an action "protocol" and a "stranding network." The operation requires "many people on land and boats," he adds, and the operation is "long and complex." "These are very complicated cases. Managing so many large animals is not easy at all."
