Trapped Whales Shun New Holes Cut in Arctic Ice

Three California gray whales imprisoned by Arctic ice ignored two new breathing holes carved by rescuers, while crews launched a much-delayed icebreaker rescue mission Wednesday from Prudhoe Bay.

Rescuers used chain saws to carve the two new holes, but the ice-battered animals preferred the two openings where they have been sticking their snouts up for air for the past 1 1/2 weeks.

The condition of the whales had not deteriorated, said Cindy Lowry of Greenpeace, but she added: “I don’t know why they’re not using the new breathing holes.”

Discover New Channels

A helicopter flight over the area discovered new open water channels in the ice 5 miles west of the trapped whales--perhaps created by winds blowing out of the east.

Five miles is still too far for the air-breathing mammals to travel under ice, but Lowry said she was encouraged by the discovery.

At Prudhoe Bay, two Army National Guard Skycrane helicopters were rigged to alternately tow an 185-ton Hovercraft ice-breaking barge to the whales’ location about 230 miles to the west.

Conditions Hamper Journey

The journey over desolate Arctic Ocean ice, expected to take 25 to 40 hours, has been hampered by bitter Arctic conditions.

The first of the powerful transport helicopters lifted off at noon, but the early going was “real, real slow,” said Sheryl Deveau, a spokeswoman for the rescue effort.

The barge, which got stuck in the ice and had mechanical problems in an aborted takeoff Tuesday, rides above the ice on a cushion of air while powerful engine thrusts pulverize the ice below.