New pilot whale incident in Northumberland. Original Post: 15:00 21/09/2026
Late afternoon on Sunday 20 September, British Divers Marine Life Rescue were alerted to a pod of pilot whales near to shore off Warkworth, Northumberland. Medics were called to the scene and more put on standby while observations were made of the situation and a plan of action agreed.
This is not the same pod of pilot whales that were herded out of the River Thames over the weekend. Based on the distance between the locations it would not be possible for a pilot whale to swim that far in 24 hours, as well as there being a much larger number involved here.
It was ascertained that there were approximately 40 pilot whales behaving in a distressed manner typically seen prior to a stranding event. Local boats were then launched with Medics aboard to attempt herding them offshore away from the danger of stranding.
Unfortunately the whales did not respond to this and a number of them steadfastly remained tightly packed around one of the largest animals in the group that was laying motionless on their side. As it got dark the herding attempt had to be stood down as it was no longer possible to see the animals and operate safely around them.
On resuming searches of the coast this morning there was initially no sign of them. However, we soon heard from colleagues at the RSPB on Coquet Island that potentially up to a dozen whales were stranded in very difficult terrain around the rocky ledges. On investigation six animals were located, five ashore and one afloat, with two of the stranded animals confirmed deceased. Assessment began on the remainder whilst additional Medics and equipment were mobilised to the scene.
Due to the tides, access to the island is limited to only a couple of hours either side of high water, with no option for people to remain on there overnight, therefore the team was working under incredibly tight timings with whatever help could arrive there by then. Attempts were made to refloat the live animals by our teams, however with treacherous terrain and the size and power of the animals on difficult terrain\ being a significant safety issue it was not possible to successfully refloat them as the tide fell away from them and they had to withdraw.
Our team remains along the coast to sight other members of the pod that may still be in the area or strand, ready to provide care and aim to refloat those that are in a suitable state of health to do so. If anyone sights pilot whales in the area or finds them stranded please call our hotline 01825 765546.
We would like to thank our volunteers and the RSPB team who were working under very difficult conditions and time-limited circumstances for their incredible efforts, to Puffin Cruises for boat transport for our team and equipment, and to Civil Air Support for assistance in checking the area from the air for signs of the other animals too.