16 pilot whales strand off Florida Keys

In this Thursday, May 5, 2011, photo released by the Florida Keys News Bureau, Art Coakley of the Marine Mammal Conservancy tends to two stranded pilot whales in shallow waters near Cudjoe Key, Fla. At least 15 pilot whales stranded Thursday afternoon in the lower Florida Keys, marine mammal responders said. (AP Photo/Florida Keys News Bureau, Mariela Care)

Associated Press

Published: Friday, May 6, 2011 at 9:15 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, May 6, 2011 at 9:15 a.m.

CUDJOE KEY - Marine mammal rescuers are tending to six of about 16 pilot whales that are stranded in shallow waters off the lower Florida Keys.

Art Cooper of the Marine Mammal Conservancy says the whales are in stable but guarded condition Friday after responders were able to construct a temporary sea pen and relocate them. Veterinarians are providing medical evaluations.
The whales were found stranded Thursday afternoon in three separate areas in shallow Gulf of Mexico waters near Cudjoe Key. Two animals died and rescuers have begun searching for others outside the pen that were spotted before darkness fell.
Officials hope to eventually relocate any surviving whales to the Marine Mammal Conservancy's rehabilitation facility in Key Largo.
AP video at link: http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20110506/WIRE/110509686/2416/NEWS?Title=16-pilot-whales-strand-off-Florida-Keys