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20/01/2006
Rescue attempt launched for whale in the Thames
A rescue attempt has been launched after a rare whale was spotted in the Thames on Friday.
The whale, which has been identified as a northern bottle-nosed whale, was spotted around 08:30am on Friday morning. It is the first time that this type of animal has been spotted in the Thames since 1913, when records began.
Hundreds of people gathered to watch the whale as it passed Parliament buildings on Friday morning.
However, in the afternoon there were reports that the whale had appeared to be in distress. There are also fears that the animal is injured, with some reports that blood had been spotted on its tail.
The northern bottle-nosed whale, which is 16-18-ft long, is usually found in deep-sea waters. They are normally seen in the north Atlantic off Norway and the Barents Sea, and off northern Britain and Ireland in the summer.
The whales usually have bulbous foreheads, resembling very large bottle-nosed dolphins, and can grow up to 10 metres in length. Experts describe the species as "inquisitive".
The British Divers Marine Life group first received reports of the whale sighting on Thursday night. Another whale was also spotted, according to reports.
It is not known how the animal made its way into the Thames.
Rescuers are hoping that the whale can be directed to swim back out to sea or can be towed. There are fears that the longer it remains in the Thames, the more danger there is that it may weaken and become beached.
Liz Sandeman, a medic from the whale and dolphin protection charity Marine Connection, said that the whale looked healthy and relaxed, but warned that boats in the Thames could pose a risk to the animal and it could also become frightened by the noise. She said: "The last thing we want to do is stress the animal out."
(KMcA)
The whale, which has been identified as a northern bottle-nosed whale, was spotted around 08:30am on Friday morning. It is the first time that this type of animal has been spotted in the Thames since 1913, when records began.
Hundreds of people gathered to watch the whale as it passed Parliament buildings on Friday morning.
However, in the afternoon there were reports that the whale had appeared to be in distress. There are also fears that the animal is injured, with some reports that blood had been spotted on its tail.
The northern bottle-nosed whale, which is 16-18-ft long, is usually found in deep-sea waters. They are normally seen in the north Atlantic off Norway and the Barents Sea, and off northern Britain and Ireland in the summer.
The whales usually have bulbous foreheads, resembling very large bottle-nosed dolphins, and can grow up to 10 metres in length. Experts describe the species as "inquisitive".
The British Divers Marine Life group first received reports of the whale sighting on Thursday night. Another whale was also spotted, according to reports.
It is not known how the animal made its way into the Thames.
Rescuers are hoping that the whale can be directed to swim back out to sea or can be towed. There are fears that the longer it remains in the Thames, the more danger there is that it may weaken and become beached.
Liz Sandeman, a medic from the whale and dolphin protection charity Marine Connection, said that the whale looked healthy and relaxed, but warned that boats in the Thames could pose a risk to the animal and it could also become frightened by the noise. She said: "The last thing we want to do is stress the animal out."
(KMcA)
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24 January 2006
Whale's bones to go to Natural History Museum
The whale, which died in the River Thames at the weekend, is to be given to the Natural History Museum. The young female bottlenose whale made headlines around the world when she swam into the Thames last Friday. Hundreds of spectators gathered to witness the sight - no such animal had been spotted in the Thames since records began in 1913.
Whale's bones to go to Natural History Museum
The whale, which died in the River Thames at the weekend, is to be given to the Natural History Museum. The young female bottlenose whale made headlines around the world when she swam into the Thames last Friday. Hundreds of spectators gathered to witness the sight - no such animal had been spotted in the Thames since records began in 1913.
23 January 2006
Animal welfare groups highlight whale plight
Animal welfare groups are attempting to raise awareness of the plight of whales, following the death of a bottle-nose whale in the Thames at the weekend. The International Fund for Animal Welfare called for the "outpouring of emotion" over the death of the northern bottle-nose whale to be directed towards other whales.
Animal welfare groups highlight whale plight
Animal welfare groups are attempting to raise awareness of the plight of whales, following the death of a bottle-nose whale in the Thames at the weekend. The International Fund for Animal Welfare called for the "outpouring of emotion" over the death of the northern bottle-nose whale to be directed towards other whales.
25 January 2006
Whale post-mortem results revealed
The results of a post-mortem on the Thames whale has revealed that it died of multiple causes. The post-mortem found that the whale, a young female northern bottlenose, died from severe hydration, muscle damage and kidney failure.
Whale post-mortem results revealed
The results of a post-mortem on the Thames whale has revealed that it died of multiple causes. The post-mortem found that the whale, a young female northern bottlenose, died from severe hydration, muscle damage and kidney failure.
01 September 2006
Rescued whale found dead in Skegness
A whale rescued by experts from the Lincolnshire coast has been found dead on a beach near Skegness. The whale, believed to be a northern bottlenose whale, was one of two whales found stranded on Thursday. The other whale died on Thursday afternoon, in spite of attempts to refloat them.
Rescued whale found dead in Skegness
A whale rescued by experts from the Lincolnshire coast has been found dead on a beach near Skegness. The whale, believed to be a northern bottlenose whale, was one of two whales found stranded on Thursday. The other whale died on Thursday afternoon, in spite of attempts to refloat them.
18 July 2014
Two Dead In M40 Crash
Thames Valley Police have confirmed the deaths of two people in a crash on the M40 in Buckinghamshire. Police have said that two cars collided on the westbound carriageway between junction 2 for Beaconsfield and junction 3 for Loudwater just after 05:00 on Friday morning.
Two Dead In M40 Crash
Thames Valley Police have confirmed the deaths of two people in a crash on the M40 in Buckinghamshire. Police have said that two cars collided on the westbound carriageway between junction 2 for Beaconsfield and junction 3 for Loudwater just after 05:00 on Friday morning.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
