Shocking Images : Pilot whales brutally slaughtered

Inhabitants of Faroe Islands catch and slaughter pilot whales (Globicephala melaena) during the traditional 'Grindadrap' (whale hunting in Faroese) near Sandur on Sandoy island.Residents of the Faroe Islands, an autonomous province of Denmark, slaughter and eat pilot whales every year. The Faroese are descendents of Vikings, and pilot whales have been a central part of their diet for more than 1,000 years. They crowd the animals into a bay and kill them. 'Grindadrap' whaling is not done for commercial purposes, the meat can not be sold and is divided evenly between members of the local community.Viewer discretion is advised while viewing these photos

1 - 5 of 5

1 of 5 photos

Graphic Images follow.Viewer discretion is advised.
A man pulls a rope as inhabitants of Faroe Islands catch and slaughter pilot whales (Globicephala melaena) during the traditional 'Grindadrap' (whale hunting in Faroese) near Sandur on Sandoy island June 05, 2012. Residents of the Faroe Islands, an autonomous province of Denmark, slaughter and eat pilot whales every year. The Faroese are descendents of Vikings, and pilot whales have been a ... more
Graphic Images follow.Viewer discretion is advised.
A man pulls a rope as inhabitants of Faroe Islands catch and slaughter pilot whales (Globicephala melaena) during the traditional 'Grindadrap' (whale hunting in Faroese) near Sandur on Sandoy island June 05, 2012. Residents of the Faroe Islands, an autonomous province of Denmark, slaughter and eat pilot whales every year. The Faroese are descendents of Vikings, and pilot whales have been a central part of their diet for more than 1,000 years. They crowd the animals into a bay and kill them. 'Grindadrap' whaling is not done for commercial purposes, the meat can not be sold and is divided evenly between members of the local community. REUTERS/Andrija Ilic less