Two pilot whales dead after mass stranding in Northumberland
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Two pilot whales dead after a distressed pod was spotted off the Northumberland coast.
Image source: BDMLR
Image caption: The pod contained about 40 pilot whales
By Evie Lake, North East and Cumbria
Published 21 September 2026, 17:03 BST
Updated 1 hour ago
Two pilot whales have died after a group of about 40 became "behaving in a distressed manner" near the shore at Amble.
British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) was alerted at 15:00 BST on Sunday. Due to high tides, attempts to refloat the animals were unsuccessful, and rescue teams had to withdraw.
Whales are highly social and often strand in groups because they travel in close-knit communities. Theories for strandings include following fish to shore or one whale mistakenly leading others ashore.
The BDMLR said the current pod was not the same one that was herded out of the River Thames at the weekend, as the distance between the locations is significant. Local boats with medics on board attempted to herd them offshore but stood down after losing daylight.
On Monday, about a dozen whales were stranded on Coquet Island; six were found, five ashore and one afloat. Two dead whales were confirmed. Due to rocky terrain and tides, refloating attempts were not possible. The BDMLR remains along the coast, ready to provide care and refloat healthy animals.
The RSPB said staff from nearby Coquet Island are supporting the BDMLR's response. "This is a distressing situation and our thoughts are with all those involved," said an RSPB spokesperson.