Orcas gasp for air whilst trapped in drift ice off the coast of Japan

A pod of killer whales appeared to be stuck in drift ice off the coast of Japan, but now appear to have successfully escaped.

Drone footage shows a group of at least 10 orcas about half a mile (0.8km) from the shores of Rausu, in Hokkaido.

The animals looked closely packed together and appear to be sticking their heads out of the water to breathe.

The coast guard was unable to launch a rescue operation as the ice was too thick, a local official told public broadcaster NHK.

Nine orcas died in 2005 after becoming stuck in drift ice in the same area, according to local media.

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