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Grindrap 2020 - no change in the Faroe Islands

Listen to this article Although the pandemic that has gripped the world has excluded us from many walks of life and caused the cancellation of countless events, concerts, conferences and cultural activities, it has not stopped the annual dolphin slaughter known as Grindadrap. Nearly 300 animals were herded into the shallows of the bay, where

ByMarcin Pawełczyk

Published: July 28, 2020 - 12:30

Updated: July 22, 2023 - 20:28

Grindrap 2020 – no change in the Faroe Islands

Listen to this article

Although the pandemic that has gripped the world has excluded us from many walks of life and caused the cancellation of countless events, concerts, conferences and cultural activities, it has not stopped the annual dolphin slaughter known as Grindadrap.

Nearly 300 animals were herded into the shallows of the bay, where they were then butchered by the assembled islanders.

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Dolphins killed during Grindgrap Faroe Islands divers24.co.uk — Killed white-sided dolphins photo by Erik Christensen

The pretext for this bloody festival of violence is a local tradition that the locals take very seriously, which dates back to ancient Viking times and today has only a symbolic dimension. Unless you are a dolphin, whale or porpoise, then it is a fight for survival.

The animals are surrounded as they migrate past the coast of Danish territory, and then chased towards the beach, where people and a brutal death await them.

Gulf waters filled with blood after Grindgrap divers24.co.uk — A beach awash with blood after a hunt photo by Erik Christensen

According to information released by Sea Shepherd, 252 longfinned grindwhales and 35 white-beaked dolphins were killed in this year’s Grindadrap, which took place near Hvalba. On average, Farers kill 800 animals a year in this way.

^{Source: Standard Media}
^{Photo: Sea Shepherd, Erik Christensen/Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0}

About author

Marcin Pawełczyk

Marcin’s journey with diving has been an adventure. Starting as a recreational diver, he soon found himself drawn to the fascinating stories and mysteries of Baltic wrecks. After gaining experience, Marcin decided to go beyond just leisurely exploration and took his training up a notch by completing the TMX course, allowing him to explore even deeper and uncover the secrets of inaccessible places. His next challenge has been cave diving, where he is honing his skills to become a certified diver. Not content to simply take in the breathtaking beauty of underwater life, Marcin has also embraced underwater photography since 2018, capturing stunning shots that bring these worlds alive for those who are unable to experience them first-hand. Marcin’s passion for the underwater has taken him far and is sure to continue doing so as he dives into new depths and captures breathtaking images.