TOKYO (AP) — A pod of killer whales that was trapped in drift ice off Japan's northern main island of Hokkaido, prompting concern from environmental groups, has apparently safely escaped, officials said Wednesday.
After analyzing drone footage filmed by a conservationist group, officials counted 13 killer whales there.
Photos You Should See View All 45 ImagesOfficials said they believe the killer whales were able to free themselves from the drift ice as gaps between them grew.
Although the trapped whales were in Japanese waters, they were not far from an island that is disputed by Japan and Russia.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters on Wednesday that killer whales are not designated as an endangered species in Japan and that officials were monitoring the situation while Japan and Russia communicated over the issue.
Persons:
Masataka Shirayanagi, “, ” Shirayanagi, Yoshimasa Hayashi
Organizations:
TOKYO, NHK, Defense Ministry, Northern, Soviet Union
Locations:
Hokkaido, Rausu, Japan, Russia, Russian, Moscow, Tokyo, Ukraine