Rescuers guided 25 of 27 pilot whales from the Thames back to sea near Gravesend on Sept. 19 in a six-hour operation using eight boats; two whales died during the wider, days-long effort. Officials said the river is too shallow and lacks food for them.
The coordinated effort began around 7 a.m. and covered 20 nautical miles. It involved the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, Marine Pilots and local authorities in Gravesham and Thurrock; pauses to assess the pod and allow mothers with calves to rest extended the operation.
One whale showing signs of being unwell washed ashore Friday; a second returned to the water, but crews believed it died later that day. The Port of London Authority said it was working with rescue teams and local authorities to recover the animals for autopsies. The Thames was believed clear of pilot whales, and officials urged people to report further sightings.
