Whale pod spotted in Thames is 'highly unusual'

Whales have been spotted in the Thames Estuary in a "highly unusual" sighting.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) said it was called after reports that 25 long-finned pilot whales were seen close to Coalhouse Fort at East Tilbury and at Tilbury in Essex on Thursday.

Their presence in the Thames and the southern North Sea was uncommon, added the spokesperson.

A Port of London Authority spokesperson said: "There is currently a pod of pilot whales in the tidal Thames, near Gravesend. They are a wonderful sight but this is not the usual environment for them, so we hope they will soon be able to find their way back out to sea."

Long-finned pilot whales typically favour cooler, temperate waters beyond the continental shelf in the Atlantic Ocean.

The BDMLR spokesperson added: "Whales seen swimming in shallow or enclosed waterways are not necessarily in trouble.

"However, they are at an increased risk of stranding from changing tides, vessel traffic and disturbance."

Members of the public have been asked not to share the whales' location online while they are in the area, because noise, crowds and vessel activity could cause additional stress and disrupt natural behaviour, which could also put them at risk of stranding.

"Their welfare must remain a priority whilst they remain in the Thames Estuary and wider region," added the spokesperson.

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