Pod of Pilot Whales Makes Rare Appearance in the River Thames
Photo credit: Tom Hadley
A pod of around 25 long-finned pilot whales has made an unusual appearance in the River Thames, prompting British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) to closely monitor the animals.
The whales were reported in the Thames on Thursday, 17 September, with BDMLR Marine Mammal Medics keeping watch on their movements, behaviour and condition. Specialist whale rescue equipment has also been prepared as a precaution should any of the animals strand.
Long-finned pilot whales usually favour cooler, deeper offshore waters of the Atlantic, making the presence of such a large group in the Thames and southern North Sea region highly unusual.
Although whales entering shallow or enclosed waterways are not necessarily in distress, BDMLR says they can face an increased risk of stranding due to changing tides, vessel traffic and disturbance.
The organisation is asking people not to approach the whales from land or water, launch drones or attempt to intervene. Boats in the area should slow to a no-wake speed, remain at least 100 metres away where possible and avoid separating the pod or crossing its direction of travel.
BDMLR has also asked the public not to share the whales’ location on social media while the incident is ongoing, as crowds, noise and increased vessel activity could cause additional stress to the animals.
Anyone who spots the whales is asked to report the sighting directly to BDMLR, including their location, direction of travel and any notable behaviour.
The situation remains ongoing, with rescue teams ready to respond if required.
