School of whales beached in Tralee Bay

Forty whales lie beached off the coast of Co Kerry as rescuers have commenced a massive rescue operation.

At least twelve of the animals have already died after the school of forty whales got into to difficulties on a sandbank on the Magharee islands off Castlegregory in Tralee Bay.

Locals are currently attempting to drag the creatures back into the sea using ropes and keeping them covered with water.