~ FOR GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF OUR MARINE LIFE ~
RESCUING WHALES
Strandings and entanglements are a rare but tragic sight in Icelandic waters. Over the years, Elding has been involved in several rescue missions, working with foreign experts, local authorities, and fellow whale watchers to help these incredible creatures. While some missions have been successful, others have been heartbreaking reminders of how difficult it is for deep-diving species to survive strandings.
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Every rescue attempt reminds us of the challenges these animals face in our changing world. At Elding, we strive not only to offer unforgettable whale-watching experiences but also to contribute to their conservation through research and rescue efforts. Whether by responding to strandings, collecting crucial data, or collaborating with marine experts, we remain committed to protecting these magnificent creatures. Knowledge is the key to conservation, and through our continued efforts, we hope to make a difference for whales in Iceland and beyond.
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Here are some key moments from our rescue efforts.
July 2012
Long-Finned Pilot Whales in Distress
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The long-finned pilot whale typically resides in deep waters, feeding on squid. However, in July 2012, we observed a pod of about 200 of them near the coast for a couple of days. The first day was particularly unsettling, as some began stranding on the beach in Njarðvík. Our whale-watching tour quickly turned into a rescue mission, as we tried to position ourselves between the whales and the shore to push them back out to sea. After a few days the pod was seen further out in the bay feeding, and seemingly well.
August 2015
Humpback Whale Entangled in Fishing Gear
After weeks of concern, an international team of experts from the U.S. and U.K. arrived in Iceland to help a humpback whale (Nettie) that was entangled in a micro-filament gillnet. First spotted on 31st July, the whale was in poor condition, especially around its tail. The rescue operation lasted two days (19 hours in total). The team attached buoys to slow and exhaust the whale before carefully cutting away the netting. A satellite transmitter was used to relocate the whale the following day, about 18km from the initial site. Though some netting remained, it was expected to fall off naturally. The whale, seemingly in good spirits, raised its tail high, showing signs of recovery. It was an intense but inspiring experience.
Read more about Nettie's rescue mission here.
​Summer 2017
Entangled Minke whale in Keflavík Harbour
A juvenile minke whale was found by the harbour in Keflavík, malnourished with a fishing net trapped in its baleen plates by the harbour in Keflavík. Unable to free itself, the whale showed incredible awareness by swimming up close to the shore, seemingly seeking assistance. Local authorities, along with expert diver Siggi from Köfunarþjónusta Sigurðar ehf. quickly responded to the situation. They carefully freed the whale, and once released, it lingered just beneath the surface for a moment, almost as if catching its breath and expressing gratitude.
​January 2018
Northern Bottlenose Whale in the Old Harbour
In an unusual sighting, a Northern Bottlenose whale was spotted inside Reykjavík’s Old Harbour. After initially making its way out, it stranded on a nearby coast. Local divers from Köfunarþjónusta Sigurðar ehf. stepped in to push the whale back into deeper waters. The rescue was ultimately successful, though the whale was last seen near Harpa before disappearing into the abyss.
August 2018
Northern Bottlenose Whales Stranded on Engey
On 16th August 2018, two Northern Bottlenose whales were found stranded on the rocky shores of Engey island, just outside Reykjavík. The rescue mission was a joint effort involving 15 people from at least three whale-watching companies, alongside the Icelandic Coast Guard and Reykjavík Fire Department. The team worked tirelessly to keep the whales wet and cool using pumps while waiting for the tide to rise. Deep-diving species like these struggle to survive strandings due to the immense strain on their bodies. Sadly, just before 7 PM, one of the whales died. However, thanks to a combined effort, the other whale was successfully guided back to sea.
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​December 2024
Humpback Whale Entangled in Fishing Gear
On 16th December 2024, our Northern Lights Cruise took an unexpected turn when we spotted a distressed humpback whale entangled in ropes. We immediately notified local authorities, and by daylight, the Coast Guard had assembled a rescue team. Thankfully, they were able to free the whale, and by the end of the day, it was swimming freely in the bay again - a huge relief for everyone involved.