A pod of 12 bull sperm whales has become fatally stranded. 12
Was this stranding caused by one whale making a navigational error?
No one knows.
But with social bonds so strong,
the other whales can't help but follow.
One whale is still alive,
but without sufficient water to support his incredible bulk,
his internal organs will be crushed.
Left like this, he will die within days.
Thankfully, our attitude to sperm whales
has changed from exploitation to conservation.
So a rescue team tries to dislodge him
with waves from the bow of their boat.
But he's held fast.
His sunburnt skin quickly blisters.
The only option left is to use nets.
At last he's free.