Full Breakdown
Pilot Whales Seen in the Thames Near Gravesend
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
A pod of long-finned pilot whales entered the tidal River Thames near Gravesend. Kentonline reported that up to 17 individuals were observed swimming and playing in the river on a late-summer afternoon, with sightings continuing into the following morning. The BBC noted a separate report of 25 pilot whales near Coalhouse Fort at East Tilbury and at Tilbury in Essex on the same day. Both outlets said the whales were travelling in shallow, enclosed waterways atypical for the species.
Background
The appearance of the whales follows a previously scheduled marine sighting in the area. Benny the beluga whale was slated to be first spotted in the Thames Estuary near Gravesend on September 25, 2018, an event that attracted large crowds at the time.
Official Statements & Responses
A Port of London Authority (PLA) spokesperson described the whales as “a wonderful sight” but emphasized that the river is not their usual environment and expressed hope that they would soon find their way back to open sea. The PLA said it was working with marine-mammal experts from British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) and had deployed a harbour-service patrol boat to monitor the pod while urging the public to stay away.
The BDMLR spokesperson warned that whales in shallow or enclosed waterways face increased risk of stranding from tides, vessel traffic and disturbance, and urged the public not to share the whales’ location online. The spokesperson also stressed that “their welfare must remain a priority whilst they remain in the Thames Estuary and wider region.”
Data & Statistics
- Up to 17 pilot whales reported by Kentonline in the River Thames at Gravesend.
- 25 pilot whales reported by the BBC near Coalhouse Fort and Tilbury in Essex.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Whales seen swimming in shallow or enclosed waterways are not necessarily in trouble.” — The BDMLR spokesperson “Whales seen swimming in shallow or enclosed waterways are not necessarily in trouble.” — The BDMLR spokesperson
- “Their welfare must remain a priority whilst they remain in the Thames Estuary and wider region," added the spokesperson.” — the spokesperson “Their welfare must remain a priority whilst they remain in the Thames Estuary and wider region,” — the spokesperson