What kind of whale was rescued from the River Thames in 2006?

A northern bottlenose whale was rescued from the River Thames in January 2006.

How long was the whale rescued from the River Thames?

The whale rescued from the River Thames was approximately 19 feet (5.85m) long.

What happened to the whale rescued from the Thames in 2006?

Despite a day-long rescue attempt by marine mammal experts, the whale sadly died before it could be released into the sea.

Home / Environment / Whale Rescue: London's Iconic Thames Event

Whale Rescue: London's Iconic Thames Event

24 Jan

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Summary

A northern bottlenose whale swam up the River Thames in January 2006.
Thousands gathered to watch the dramatic, day-long rescue attempt.
The whale ultimately died, but the event united Londoners.

Whale Rescue: London's Iconic Thames Event

In January 2006, a northern bottlenose whale made an unexpected appearance in London, swimming up the River Thames and past the Houses of Parliament. This rare event, occurring two decades ago, was a pivotal moment for marine rescue teams.

Mark Stevens, a rescuer with British Divers Marine Life Rescue, recalled the profound impact of the incident, noting it led to the realization of post-traumatic stress disorder among the team. The whale's presence generated immense public interest, with thousands gathering along the Thames.

The rescue operation involved intricate planning and execution, including using a press boat to help maneuver the whale. A crane was eventually used to lift the 19-foot mammal onto a barge for transport out to sea. This swift action was crucial to beat the tide and navigate London's bridges.