Dozens of whales were rescued after becoming stranded on a remote beach in northern Iceland.

Around 60 pilot whales, known locally as grindhvalur, were found stranded on Ólafsfjörður beach on Sunday (June 22).

Locals and emergency crews rushed to the remote area in a desperate effort to save the mammals.

By around 7 p.m., rescue teams had successfully moved the whales from the shoreline back into open water.

According to local media, the whales were likely chasing mackerel, fish that have migrated north due to warming seas, when the pod became disoriented and trapped in the shallow waters.

Marc Sánchez, 26, originally from Barcelona, Spain, is staying in Ólafsfjörður for the summer and working at a nearby hotel.

He ran to the beach after getting a call from his friend and filmed the dramatic scene.

Marc, a hotel worker and content creator, said: "I couldn't believe what I was seeing."

"It was the first time in my life witnessing whales from so close and even being able to touch them."

"I felt a mix of emotions. Amazement, sadness and frustration. "

"I wanted to help them, but it was impossible. "

"Some of them were around four meters long and likely weighed over a ton."

Marc added: "The response was incredible but it wasn't just the professionals. "

"So many villagers jumped into the water to help, including me. "

"The water was freezing, so I couldn't stay in for long but I tried my best to assist however I could."