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A pack of orcas dies trapped by ice off the coast of Japan Between 13 and 15 animals are struggling to survive, drifting with the ice and surfacing for air off the coast of Hokkaido in the north of the country. The tragic footage, which was captured by scientists using a copter, was aired by Japanese national broadcaster NHK. The black-and-white whales were most likely carried into the Nemuro Strait by the current from Russia - this species is not found in Japan. Orcas in extreme conditions can stay underwater for only about 15 minutes, they need air to breathe. And the ice hole for surfacing is getting smaller and smaller. Japanese authorities have said they can’t help, so they are left to watch and hope the ice breaks up, allowing the orcas to escape. Russian sailors have icebreakers, but they have no right to enter Japanese territorial waters.
