Rescue Efforts for Long-finned Pilot Whales in the Swale Estuary, Kent.
On Monday, September 30, at approximately 3:30 PM, British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) received a second-hand report via social media regarding a small group of 5-7 long-finned pilot whales spotted in the Swale Estuary, Kent. Earlier in the day, a birdwatcher had observed the whales through binoculars, but the sighting had not been officially reported until later.
At around 4 PM, BDMLR teams began efforts to locate the whales among the salt marsh and mudflats of the Swale National Nature Reserve. Rescue teams and equipment were mobilized from Kent and Essex, with on-site support from HM Coastguard. Despite the fading daylight and challenging terrain, the teams were safely guided to the approximate location of the whales.
The search for the whales proved difficult due to the deep, boggy marshland, which hindered visibility and access. Over the next four hours, the BDMLR rescue team and Coastguard continuously changed locations, searching for safe access points. Unfortunately, the evening rescue efforts were called off at 10:30 PM due to the conditions.
The search resumed at 7 AM on Tuesday, October 1. Shortly after, a deceased whale was discovered not far from the previous night’s search area. At 10 AM, a birdwatcher using a high-powered telescope reported seeing two whales at the edge of the marsh and another whale on the beach nearby, showing signs of life.
At 12:45 PM, assistance was requested from Kent Police to access the shoreline with their boat, as there was no safe way to reach the whales on foot. Approximately 90 minutes later, two pilot whales were observed swimming freely away from the nature reserve.
At 4 PM, another report indicated that two more live whales were trapped in the marsh. Drone footage confirmed their presence, but for the safety of all involved, rescue efforts were halted for the day and the hope remained that they would get out on the next high tide. The team again await the first light to reassess the situation and continue their efforts.
The following morning the Cetacean Stranding Investigation Programme team arrived from London to examine the whales they could access, no further reports of live whales were received.
We would like to thank all BDMLR volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the might and following days, and HM Coastguard for their essential support and to Kent Police for their RIB support.