"Trapped Orcas Escape Ice Near Japan in Dramatic Rescue"

A pod of around a dozen killer whales trapped by drift ice off the coast of Japan's northern island appears to have successfully escaped, with officials speculating that the whales may have made their way out between gaps in the ice. The stranded orcas, including younger ones, were closely packed together and seen sticking their heads out of the water to breathe, prompting public concern and calls for government assistance. Officials reported that the latest monitoring trip showed the whales had moved away from the space, and while some showed signs of bleeding at their jaws, it is believed they were able to escape safely.