Dozens of Whales Found Stranded on Beach in Northern Iceland
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
More than 60 pilot whales were stranded on a beach near the northern Icelandic town of Ólafsfjörður, prompting an urgent rescue operation involving local emergency services and community volunteers.
Rescue teams from the Tröllaskagi region and Akureyri were called out to respond to the mass beaching on June 21, according to Hinrik Wöhler, a deputy spokesperson for ICE-SAR (Icelandic Search and Rescue), reported the Iceland Monitor.
A video of the scene was shared by TikTok user @charlotte_9877. The viral clip, which has garnered over 188,000 views since it was posted on June 23, shows the whales moving helplessly in shallow waters.
Text overlaid on the video read: "Yesterday, more than 60 whales were stranded on a beach in a small town in northern Iceland … it was a serious situation, as the low water level prevented them from swimming back to the ocean and they were at risk of dying quickly."
@charlotte_9877
What a day it was! I've never been so close to these animals before, and I truly hope I won't have to be again—and that they won't appear in the harbor anymore. From deep sadness and helplessness… to relief and hope, because they were saved! Huge respect to everyone who came to help so quickly. In today's world, we need more of these everyday heroes 🥹🥺 #iceland #savedwhales #olasfjordur #whales #icelandnews #northicelandwhales @Iceland @visitnorthiceland @whalewatching ♬ suono originale - swami
Lára Stefánsdóttir, the regional manager of the search and rescue team Tindur in Ólafsfjörður, said the rising tide played a critical role in the rescue efforts.
"It went incredibly well. I was very surprised when I arrived and saw 60 to 70 whales stranded on the shore—I thought it was unlikely we'd be able to do anything," Stefánsdóttir told RÚV, Iceland's national broadcaster. "But people quickly showed up and found a way to drag the whales back out."
Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove is a professional wildlife and landscape photographer based in Iceland, who actively monitors such incidents. He told Newsweek the reasons behind whale strandings are complex and debated. "There is a lot of debate on why these kinds of beachings happen, and there are many possible causes," he said. "Over the years, there has been indication that sonar [sound navigation and ranging] has been influencing their navigating abilities."
Van Nieuwenhove also pointed to environmental change as a potential factor. He said that "there's also an indication that climate change, influencing where the whale's food goes, may be a factor at play."
Scientific research supports the idea that these events are not fully understood. A study published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin in December 2023 noted that "long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) are the most frequently stranded cetaceans in the world; however, the predominant drivers of these events are poorly understood."
Stefánsdóttir told RÚV: "I didn't expect it, but every single animal made it back out. What condition they're in now or what will happen to them, I have no idea. But they all swam away."
Text overlaid on the viral TikTok video credited the successful outcome to "the help of local services and people who jumped into the water to assist," noting that "every single whale was saved."
In a caption accompanying the clip, the TikTok user wrote: "What a day it was! I've never been so close to these animals before, and I truly hope I won't have to be again … Huge respect to everyone who came to help so quickly. In today's world, we need more of these everyday heroes."
While such large-scale strandings are uncommon in Iceland, Van Nieuwenhove said they are not unprecedented. "Large beachings like this are not common at all, but it has occurred in the past where pilot whales have either beached themselves or gotten themselves stuck in a fjord system," he said.
"Very recently, an injured orca also beached itself near Reykjavík. It was rescued twice but shortly after beached itself again … after which it was euthanized. This animal was deemed to be sick or injured."
Van Nieuwenhove added that, due to Iceland's sparse population along much of its coast, similar events may sometimes go unnoticed. "A lot of Iceland's coastline is uninhabited so in some cases, these events are perhaps not even noticed by people," he said.
Newsweek has contacted Icelandic Search and Rescue via email and user @charlotte_9877 via TikTok for comment.
Stock image: Pilot whales swim in the waters of Iceland.
Stock image: Pilot whales swim in the waters of Iceland.
Getty
Do you have a travel-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@newsweek.com and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
3 hours ago
- Newsweek
Shelter Shows Sad Reality Owners Don't See After Surrendering Their Pet
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. An animal shelter has shown the heartbreaking scenes owners giving up their pet don't get to witness. The Humane Animal Treatment Society (HATS), a non-profit welfare organization which provides animal care, adoption and spay and neutering services, has gained a lot of online attention after showcasing what happens behind the scenes when a pet is surrendered. In a video to their TikTok account @hatsmtp1 on June 21, viewed more than 2.3 million times, they showed "what you don't see after you surrender your pet," as a fluffy gray cat hides inside a litter box after being surrendered by his family. They wrote in a caption that Smokey the cat "spent the day hiding in his litter box, terrified and crying out for his family"—and sure enough, the distressed cat repeatedly lets out high-pitched, long meows, while appearing to try and make himself as small as possible. "Smokey's story is, unfortunately, not uncommon," a spokesperson for the Michigan-based rescue told Newsweek. Smokey the cat hides in his litter box after being surrendered to a shelter by his family. Smokey the cat hides in his litter box after being surrendered to a shelter by his family. TikTok @hatsmtp1 "While every animal reacts differently to being surrendered, many experience deep distress and confusion—especially in the early days. They've lost the familiarity of their home, their routine, and most importantly, the people they trusted. "No matter how much we work to create a calm and caring environment, a shelter can never fully replicate the feeling of 'home.'" They added, however, that Smokey is beginning to open up, warming up to staff members "as we give him space, patience, and gentle encouragement," and he is "starting to show his sweet personality when he feels safe." There are myriad reasons a pet owner might give up their animal, the MATS spokesperson said—they may not have understood a breed or the long-term commitment when they first get an animal. "I'd say this is the case for a lot of our surrender intakes at our facility. We have many animals at or under only a year or two old," they admitted. There are also, however, beloved pets forced to be surrendered due to "heartbreaking, unforeseen life changes—like illness, eviction, or financial hardship—that leave them with no other option." "We don't believe in judging individuals for their circumstances. Our goal with the video was never to shame, but to raise awareness of what animals go through during such transitions. They are sentient beings who feel grief, confusion, and longing." Smokey's video prompted a rush of support from animal lovers, who awarded the clip more than 355,000 likes, one writing: "It makes me even sadder cause he doesn't understand why this happened." "This completely destroyed me eternally," another admitted, as another asked: "How can someone just abandon their family member?" And while many shared their anger at whoever gave Smokey up, or could surrender any animal, one pointed out the owner could have "had to give the cat up because of a terminal illness. "Not everyone is cruel and cold-hearted when they give up a pet, sometimes they have no choice," they wrote. HATS believes society needs to "shift toward more responsible pet ownership", from spaying and neutering to properly researching a breed, avoiding puppy mills and impulse purchases, and asking plenty of questions about an animal's personality and quirks if adopting from a shelter. Read more Saddest reason family had to surrender dog they loved "so much" Saddest reason family had to surrender dog they loved "so much" "For those who do choose to go through a breeder, it's critical to work with ethical breeders who conduct health testing, participate in titling, breed to breed standard—no 'exotic' or 'rare' colors or designer mixes—and require a return-to-breeder contract to ensure animals don't end up in shelters," they said. "When rehoming is truly necessary, we encourage people to exhaust all other options first—such as arranging temporary care with a friend, seeking help for behavioral issues, or responsibly rehoming with someone they trust—before turning to a shelter." In 2024 alone, 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters and rescues across the United States, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). An estimated 4.2 million shelter animals were adopted, including 2.2 million cats, however there is an ongoing capacity crisis limiting space for new animals. "Our community plays a vital role in supporting this mission," the HATS spokesperson told Newsweek. "Donations, volunteer time, fostering, and advocacy help us continue to provide second chances to animals like Smokey every single day." For more information on Smokey, or any other of HATS' animals, visit their website. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Newsweek
5 hours ago
- Newsweek
Moment 4-Year-Old Who Was Homeless Sees Where He Lives Now: 'Overwhelming'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A boy who lived in a homeless shelter for 14 months has seen his new home for the first time, leaving internet users in tears. Casey posted a clip on TikTok (@autumpoetry) of her 4-year-old's reaction as she opened the door. "I felt sad when he saw the living room and was hesitant to explore," the single mom told Newsweek. "I think he believed that the other rooms weren't ours since we lived out of one room for as long as he could remember." Split view of woman turning key in apartment lock and 4-year-old boy wearing green coat. Split view of woman turning key in apartment lock and 4-year-old boy wearing green coat. @autumpoetry Casey and Josiah had spent 14 months living at Clare House, a Lancaster, Pennsylvania–based shelter that serves single mothers and their children. Before entering Clare House, Casey, whose epilepsy prevents her from being able to drive, had been living with her father in a rural part of Pennsylvania. The "unpredictable" bus routes made it impossible to find steady work, so she turned to the city to seek better access to employment and long-term stability. Her first shelter placement was part of an education-focused program, but she wasn't permitted to work while staying there. Eventually, she was welcomed back to Clare House. "I had an amazing experience," Casey said. "We had Monday night meetings where we would learn life skills, such as meditation and cooking. They helped me stay on budget... set goals and reach them. But more than that they were a shoulder to cry on when things were overwhelming and tough." After getting on a waitlist for income-based housing, Casey waited six months before finally getting the call. The process was intense: background checks, income verification, credit checks, and rental history screenings. On October 15, 2024, Casey and Josiah moved into their new home. "I nearly cried," Casey said. "That night I flipped a box upside down and we ate our McDonalds meal on the box." An initial hesitant Josiah started to become more confident, exploring the apartment and eventually sleeping in his own room after months of adjusting. "[He] has become a very independent little guy," Casey told Newsweek. Casey's heartwarming clip has been viewed 3.4 million times and received thousands of comments, with many asking how they could help. "I'm balling at how he didn't want to leave your side," one user wrote. "His curiosity is so innocent and I know how proud you must feel momma," another commented. Since sharing her story, Casey told Newsweek that many people have been so generous as to buy toys for Josiah's upcoming fifth birthday. She also set up a GoFundMe page to help the pair find a "forever" home. "I am still in shock over all of this," she said. "It's overwhelming but in the best way." As Josiah prepares to start kindergarten in August, Casey is focused on paying off credit card debt—she expects to be debt-free by February. "I hope to slowly begin saving for a house in the city but money is very tight so that will take several year," she told Newsweek. "I hope to start selling my art to make more income so that I can save for a house... I used to love it."
Newsweek
20 hours ago
- Newsweek
Moment Millennial Woman Realizes She Backs Childfree Spaces: 'It Was Gross'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A woman has gone viral after advocating for more child-free spaces—not because she dislikes children, but because of parents who she says fail to take responsibility for their kids in public. Dominique Bird (@aussiedomxo), 31, from Austin, Texas, shared a now-viral TikTok recounting a recent experience at a local bakery where she was enjoying high tea with friends. During her visit, a couple entered with a young child whovomited not once, but twice. According to Bird, the parents made no effort to clean up the mess, leaving it entirely to the staff. "Anyway, I just thought it was gross," Bird told Newsweek. "This experience didn't ruin my day or anything like that, so I do not think kids shouldn't be allowed in public spaces! My point of the video was that kids are usually not at fault; it's parents acting poorly in public that leads to people wanting spaces with fewer children," she added. A split image of Dominique Bird explaining why she wants more child free spaces. A split image of Dominique Bird explaining why she wants more child free spaces. @aussiedomxo/@aussiedomxo Bird's video resonated widely, drawing thousands of likes and views. But the attention also reignited ongoing conversations around parenting, child-free lifestyles, and public etiquette. Bird, who worked in childcare from a young age, has long known that motherhood wasn't for her. She told Newsweek that while she believes she would have been "a good mother," she would not have been "a happy one." She credits her parents with raising her to be academically driven and career-focused, values she feels are often at odds with parenthood in the United States. She said that the lack of parental support systems in the country played a major role in her decision. Living in Texas—where reproductive healthcare access is increasingly restricted—Bird decided to undergo a bilateral salpingectomy, a surgical procedure that removes both fallopian tubes and results in permanent sterilization. "After [Donald Trump's] inauguration, I decided to take that step to protect myself in the case I couldn't get the healthcare I needed in the future," she said. Bird clarified that while she's not a parent, she believes in basic decency in shared public spaces. "If my dog were to be in a business and had an accident, I would clean it up as best I could, even if staff would be required to follow specific cleaning procedures for biohazards, etc. If I spill my drink, I'm going to try and clean it up as best as possible. No one wants their child to be sick, but at the same time, no one wants to eat food in the vicinity of vomit, regardless of where it came from," she added. Her video drew a mixed response. Many parents expressed agreement, noting that not all adult spaces should be limited to bars or nightlife. Other parents agreed with Bird that it was wrong for the caregivers to not clean up. "Then you have the staunch child-free people who don't want to be around children ever—let me make it clear, I'm not in that camp," she added. "While I choose not to have children myself, children have a place in our world, but their parents should also consider the experience of those around them if their child is sick or being disruptive," she continued. "I stand by what I said in the video—poor parenting and lack of common courtesy in public with children is what tends to make people want child-free spaces," she said. Bird is one of a growing number of U.S. adults opting out of parenthood. The U.S. fertility rate reached an all-time low in 2023. According to a 2024 Pew Research Center report, with 47% of U.S. adults under 50 without children say they are unlikely to ever have kids—an increase from 37% in 2018. The TikTok comments reflected a spectrum of views: "We need more child-free places that aren't alcohol related," said one user, GG. "I want child-free spaces the same way I want dog-free spaces. Has nothing to do with hatred toward either & everything to do with how badly both groups of handlers behave," another wrote. "You are entitled to a childfree life but not a childfree world," said a commenter named Tiffany. "YES also congratulations on your sterilization you're living my dream it's my biggest fear," added another. "CHILDFREE areas / towns to live in, that would be damn blissful," one viewer commented. Not all reactions were supportive. Some parents defended those in the viral bakery incident. "My child got sick in public and it's so scary and honestly, the nice bakery would be the last thing on their mind. Maybe one went to get the car to go to the ER, maybe the kid had an allergic reaction to meds or food," commented a user named Linsey Jean. "I doubt it was to be horribly rude and they are probably scared and embarrassed. But you are child free so you know more I guess—how about less judgment, more understanding?" Do you have any viral videos or pictures that you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to life@ and they could appear on our site.
