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Rescuers race to save stranded pilot whales off Northumberland as six are found dead near Coquet Island

From the Newshound archive · first published 21 September 2026 · last updated 23 September 2026.

Long-finned pilot whales in the Thames off East Tilbury, where a pod of around 25 prompted a rescue operation after two died during a six-hour herding effort towards the North Sea.
Long-finned pilot whales in the Thames off East Tilbury, where a pod of around 25 prompted a rescue operation after two died during a six-hour herding effort towards the North Sea.

Six pilot whales have died near Coquet Island off Northumberland after a pod of around 40 was observed showing signs of distress on Sunday. British Divers Marine Life Rescue crews worked to drive the animals back out to sea, but a number kept gathering around one whale that was lying motionless on its side. Efforts to refloat them were ultimately beaten by dangerous terrain, tidal windows and the animals' sheer bulk before the water receded.

The BDMLR confirmed the stranded pod is separate from the pilot whales recently herded out of the River Thames.

Access to Coquet Island was limited to a narrow window around high tide, with no possibility of crews staying through the night.

On arrival, rescuers counted five whales ashore and one in the water close to rocky ledges — and are continuing to patrol the coastline in case further pod members appear.

MoreGB NewsTwo pilot whales die after distressed pod of 40 becomes stranded off Northumberland coastchroniclelive.co.ukPilot whales found dead after 'pod in distress' off the coast of Northumberland
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