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A pod of about 13 killer whales got stuck in floating ice off the coast of Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido on Tuesday and remained stuck there all day. The photos of it went around the world.

Today, a day later, the whales are nowhere to be seen. More in the video:

The animals were discovered on the morning of February 6 by a local fisherman, who then informed authorities. There were about thirteen animals, three or four of them young, trapped in a small opening in the drifting ice about a kilometer from the town of Rausu. And because the wind was weak, the ice barely moved.

According to Japanese broadcaster NHK, the coast guard was unable to save the animals. Animal rights groups called on the government to take action. One group even asked the Ministry of Defense if they could send an icebreaker, but that did not happen.

Orcas have now disappeared

This morning, a day later, the orcas disappeared. Japanese authorities from the town of Rausu, who were monitoring the situation, believe they managed to escape to open water on their own. The drift ice shows considerably larger holes than yesterday.

A similar incident was fatal in 2005

NHK writes in an article about the incident that it is not the first time something like this has happened. In 2005, orcas became trapped in the drift ice near Rausu. Almost all the animals died then. (lso)

More videos with killer whales:

The world’s loneliest orca is dead – this is his sad story

Video appears to show sailors shooting at attacking killer whales

Orcas attack other whales at SeaWorld San Diego