Seven whales stranded, four die on shore

(ANSA) - Vasto, September 12 - Four of seven sperm whales that beached themselves on Friday near the Abruzzo coastal town of Vasto have died, said Vincenzo Olivieri, president of the Center for Cetacean Studies.
    "This is one of the worst environmental disasters in this region," said Luciano Lapenna, mayor of Vasto.
    A University of Padua team specialized in beached whales is headed to the site to assist local authorities and volunteers.
    Mario Mazzocca, Abruzzo's regional assessor for the environment, suggested that the tragedy might be cause and effect, given the proximity of the Adriatic beach to the nearby Rospo Mare oil drills.
    "I hope that these animals haven't given us a sign," said Mazzocca.