At least 10 trapped killer whales are gasping for air inside a small hole in the sea ice off Japan’s northern main coast and a rescue is reportedly impossible.
Local fishermen made the disturbing discovery of the trapped whales off Rausu Town in eastern Hokkaido Tuesday morning and notified the coast guard.
For now, the ice flow is preventing rescuers from reaching the whales.
Officials also say a lack of wind is a significant factor in why the whales remain trapped.
Officials say they have to wait for the ice flow to break up naturally.