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 sunburned skin quickly blisters.

The only option left is to use nets.

At last, he's free.

Badly weakened, he chaperoned towards the harbour entrance.

But he's not out of trouble yet.

First, he must negotiate the rocky heads of the bay.

His sensitive skin, never designed to touch rock, is badly lacerated.

He's through, and back into the safety of the endless blue.

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