Two beaked whales washed ashore in Ai Gordis and Arillas

The first incident was in Arillas and locals were able to help the beaked whale back into the sea.

The second incident was on the beach in Ai Gordis, where the beaked whale was trapped on the sand between the rocks.

Paleokastritsa Coastguard and people from Arion Research Centre for the Rescue and Care of Cetaceans are at the scene.



The Arion network vet Anastasia Koronaki has also been called to come and examine the creature.

Environmentalist Yiannis Gasteratos told Enimerosi that he considers it possible that the incidents are connected to the seismic explorations for hydrocarbons in the Ionian. "These creatures swim in very deep waters - even up to 3km - to find food," he said. "They are frightened by the seismic explorations and rise quickly to the surface of the sea, suffering the same effects as divers who come up quickly."

"There are Force 4 southwesterly winds in the area and a lot of rescue vessels are in the area (due to the Euroferry Olympia fire) as well as geophysical explorations for hydrocarbon deposits."

According to Yiannis Gasteratos, Deputy Minister Amyras at the Ministry for the Environment has been informed as well as Pelagos Cetological Research Institute.