Two long-finned pilot whales from a pod of about 25 were found dead after the group entered the Thames Estuary. Rescue teams from BDMLR, Kent Fire and Rescue, HM Coastguard and the Port of London Authority attempted to herd the pod back to the North Sea, a six-hour effort that covered roughly 20 miles. One female briefly stranded at Canvey Island and was later found dead; post-mortems are planned for both animals. Authorities hope the remainder of the pod continued safely to sea.
Two Long-Finned Pilot Whales Found Dead After Pod Enters Thames Estuary
More than 50 long-finned whalesdied after they got into difficulty in the Highlands and Islandsin 2023 [Christina McAvoy/BDMLR/PA Media]
Two long-finned pilot whales have been found dead after a pod of around 25 animals was sighted in the Thames Estuary, rescue groups say.
What Happened
British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) was alerted after reports that about 25 long-finned pilot whales were seen close to Coalhouse Fort at East Tilbury and near Tilbury, Essex, on Thursday. The pod’s presence in the Thames and the southern North Sea is unusual for this species, which typically favours cooler, temperate waters beyond the continental shelf in the Atlantic.
Rescue Efforts
Teams from BDMLR, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, HM Coastguard and the Port of London Authority attended. On Friday morning one animal was reported to have shown signs of illness and became separated from the group; responders found two whales — one alive and one deceased — near East Tilbury.
The live animal refloated on the incoming tide after dark and rejoined the pod, BDMLR said. On Saturday, rescuers attempted to herd the group from Gravesend out to the North Sea. After roughly six hours and about 20 miles, the pod reached the outer estuary, but a whale again separated and showed signs of distress.
Stranding And Losses
A female, measuring approximately three metres — about the expected length for maturity — briefly became stranded at Canvey Island in Essex before refloating. Despite further searches by the local coastguard and BDMLR, the animal was found dead on Sunday morning. A second whale had been discovered dead on Saturday.
“It is possible that a debilitated member of the pod is the reason for the animals to have come into this unusual situation,” BDMLR said.
Next Steps And Context
Post-mortem examinations will be carried out on both whales to establish causes of death. The marine rescue group said it hoped the remainder of the pod continued safely into the North Sea.
As context, more than 50 long-finned pilot whales died after becoming stranded in the Scottish Highlands and Islands in 2023, highlighting a wider pattern of mass stranding events that scientists continue to investigate.
Reporter’s note: Local authorities ask members of the public to avoid approaching stranded or deceased whales and to follow instructions from rescue teams for their own safety and the welfare of the animals.
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