A total of 39 necropsy tissue samples were taken from the estimated 55 pilot whales that were found beached on the eastern end of Anegada.
This was confirmed by the Minister of Natural Resources Honourable Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull in a recent interview with 284News.
He revealed that some of the whales were found to be pregnant which made the incident even more saddening.
Minister Turnbull said that at least 17 of the dead whales were safely discarded out at sea to allow for a natural disposal in the marine ecosystem, while the remaining carcasses were safely buried on land.
Turnbull also highlighted the respective organisations and individuals who played a role in safely discarding the deceased whales when speaking about the process.
These included non-profit organisations (NGO) Association of Reef Keepers and Beyond the Reef, along with volunteers from the Anegada community.
Minister Turnbull also said the operation with the marine experts from the Puerto Rico team and the other Caribbean partners resulted in the establishment of a Stranding Network Action Force within the Ministry of Natural Resources.
The pod of whales was estimated to be some 150 according to observers in the area.
Minister Turnbull also urged residents of Anegada to remain vigilant out at sea and to remain vigilant of any sighting of sharks.