CONCERN is growing about the welfare of a pod of long-finned Pilot whales that returned to the river Thames near Tilbury today, dashing hopes they had returned to the open waters of the North Sea.

Yesterday (Thursday, 17 September) Thurrock Nub News reported that the pod of an estimated two dozen whales, including calves, had been spotted off Coalhouse Fort at East Tilbury and later between Tilbury and Gravesend. Later in the day it was suggested they might have gone upstream as far as Purfleet.

Last night, Nub News reported direct from the Thames at Tilbury, where witnesses said they had seen the pod, likely to be closely bonded family, pass by and heading downstream. It was hoped they would reach open water and safety.

However, they were spotted again this morning. A Port of London Craft has been shadowing the pod, guiding passing boats and ships away from the cluster of animals that appear to be becoming increasingly tired and possibly disorientated.

They are also likely to be becoming hungry as they normally live in deep water and hunt for food on deep dives. The relatively shadow water of the Thames is far from their natural habitat.

It is extremely rare to see large pods of whales making their way inland and the consequences of a prolonged stay may be dire. Whales seen swimming in shallow or enclosed waterways are not necessarily in trouble, however they are at an increased risk of stranding from changing tides, vessel traffic and disturbance.

A volunteer and specilist whale medic from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue organisation was among those watching the pod this afternoon.

The whales' movements, behaviour and condition are being closely monitored by Marine Mammal Medics from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue organisation.

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As a precaution, specialist whale rescue equipment is being prepared with support from neighbouring regional teams should the whales strand.