Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Rescuers Guide 25 Pilot Whales From River Thames to Sea
A group of 27 pilot whales became lost in the River Thames.
They were found near Gravesend, close to London.
The whales seemed confused and moved in different directions.
People were asked to stay away so they would not frighten the whales or get hurt.
Rescue teams used eight boats to guide the whales toward the sea.
The rescue took six hours and covered about 20 nautical miles.
The team worked slowly because some whales were mothers with calves that needed to rest.
Twenty-five whales were guided out of the river.
Two whales died during or after the operation, and officials said the river is not a suitable home for them.
A pod of 27 pilot whales was spotted in the tidal River Thames near Gravesend on September 17.
Rescue teams guided 25 whales toward the sea during a carefully coordinated operation lasting six hours.
The September 19 operation began around 7 a.m., used eight boats and covered 20 nautical miles.
Two whales died: one washed ashore, while another returned to the water but was believed to have died later.
Officials said the Thames is too shallow and lacks suitable food for such a large pod, raising fears of mass stranding.
- Who
- A pod of 27 pilot whales, British Divers Marine Life Rescue, Marine Pilots, local authorities, and Port of London Authority officials.
- What
- Rescuers guided 25 pilot whales from the River Thames toward the sea; two whales died.
- When
- The whales were spotted on September 17, the public was alerted on September 18, and the rescue took place on September 19.
- Where
- The tidal River Thames near Gravesend, with the operation involving Gravesham and Thurrock.
- Why
- The whales became lost in an unsuitable river environment, creating a risk that the pod would become stranded and die.
- Pod size
- 27 pilot whales
- Whales guided to sea
- 25
- Whales that died
- 2
- Operation duration
- Six hours
- Distance covered
- 20 nautical miles
- Rescue fleet
- Eight boats
- Operation start
- Around 7 a.m. on September 19
