Over 400 pilot whales die in Faroe Islands strandings

More than 400 pilot whales have died in three separate strandings across the Faroe Islands, Faroese public broadcaster KVF reported Thursday.

The largest stranding occurred in Sandagerði, where 402 long-finned pilot whales were found dead. The meat will be divided into 1,014 shares for participants in the traditional whale hunt and additional shares for local residents. Distribution permits for participants are expected to be issued at 9 a.m. Friday, with Tórshavn municipality confirming all residents will receive a share. Unlike previous distributions, the location will not be publicly announced but is believed to be at Vestaru bryggju.

An additional 150 white-sided dolphins died in Skálafjørður, while 80 more were found in Streymnes. Sunda municipality has asked residents to monitor its website for details on permit distribution and collection times.

The strandings follow traditional Faroese hunting practices, where whales are driven ashore and slaughtered for their meat and blubber.