This is the moment several beluga whales appear trapped in a small ice pool in Russia with experts saying as many as 20 are in danger of dying.

The beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) are trapped in the ice pool at Beringia National Park in Russia’s easternmost region of Chukotka Autonomous Okrug and open sea is reportedly 40 kilometres (24.8 miles) away from their spot.

Park rangers first noticed the trapped whales while on patrol on 19th April.

The Whale Protection Fund has appealed to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Federal Agency for Fishery, and the Federal State Unitary Enterprise to help move the beluga whales.

The organisation said there are about 20 whales trapped approximately 40 kilometres from open sea.

Whale Protection Fund co-chairman Vasily Borisov said: “Beluga whales can stay underwater for 20 to 25 minutes. So far, this has been enough for hunting because, according to inspectors of the national park, there is still enough fish there.

“However, it is not known if there will be enough fish for all the beluga whales in this area for much longer.”

According to an inspector of the national park, four whales look noticeably thinner.

There have been no further updates on a potential rescue operation.