Five pilot whales are safe for now after a beaching Monday off the Gulf Coast of Florida thanks to a rescue operation that lasted nearly an entire day, according to news reports.
After they were found in distress in shallow water, three large whales were transported by boat several miles out to sea, and two smaller whales were taken to an aquarium, the Tampa Bay Times reported.
Authorities rushed to Redington Beach early Monday morning. Crews included those from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, and Clearwater Marine Aquarium, according to Bay News 9 in Tampa Bay.
Photos posted on social media showed tents erected to protect the whales from sunburn.
