Over 125 Pilot Whales Killed in First Faroe Islands Hunt of 2026

More than 125 pilot whales and several Atlantic white-sided dolphins were killed yesterday in the Faroe Islands’ first grind of 2026, just over 200 miles north of Scotland.

Sea Shepherd crew documented the hunt near the village of Sándavágur on Vágar island, where pods were driven into shallow coastal waters before being killed on the shore. They had difficulties documenting events, including being prevented from filming in public areas and being moved on while attempting to record the killings.

The official toll does not include at least 15 fetuses and very small juveniles reportedly removed from the kill site because they were considered inedible. Concerns have also been raised that not all dolphins killed during the hunt were included in official counts.

The hunt comes amid growing international opposition, including an Early Day Motion (EDM) tabled by UK MPs condemning the grindadráp and calling for the issue to be addressed in future trade discussions. The Faroe Islands’ trade arrangements are scheduled for review at the end of 2026, with campaigners calling for scrutiny of ongoing whaling practices.

“Every pod killed in a grind contains pregnant females and young juveniles. In almost any other hunting community, these animals would be protected. Pregnant females, unborn young, newborns, and small juveniles would not be considered legitimate targets. But in the Faroese grind, they are driven and killed indiscriminately,” said Valentina Crast, Campaign Director at Sea Shepherd.

The killing of entire family pods, including juveniles and unborn animals, raises serious questions about transparency, sustainability claims, and the classification of official statistics.

The Sándavágur hunt is estimated to have produced around 110,000 kilograms of whale meat and blubber, prompting further debate over whether the scale of the hunts exceeds local consumption needs.

Several whole pilot whales were also reportedly transported from the site to Klaksvík in the northern islands, despite local grind foremen previously stating they would suspend participation in hunts pending the outcome of an ongoing legal case from 2025.

Sea Shepherd is calling for Faroese authorities to publish a full and transparent breakdown of all animals killed during the hunt on 4^th May, including fetuses and juveniles not included in official figures.