Sad end for four-metre long pilot whale that spent its last hours injured and confused in Humber Estuary

Already injured, the pilot whale was effectively doomed when it became stuck in mud beyond the reach of would-be rescuers. Photo: British Divers Marine Life Rescue/Facebook

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue organisation has posted on its Facebook social media page this sad but expected update on a disorientated and injured pilot whale that found itself in Immingham Dock earlier in the week.  There is rarely a happy ending for whales that enter the Humber Estuary.

On  December 18, British Divers Marine Life Rescue received reports of a cetacean swimming near to the docks around Immingham. 

Video footage revealed the mammal  likely to be a pilot whale, with multiple injuries to its head and eyes.   

Marine Mammal Medics on scene were assisted by ABP to search for the mammal which had reportedly stranded and re-floated itself at least twice that morning.  

With nothing found on an extensive search, the rescue was postponed until further sightings came in. 

A few hours later, Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue reported the whale live-stranded a third time and  now trapped on the river bank.  

They provided regular updates on the animal's condition and assisted in risk assessing the situation.

The whale had become stuck in deep, unstable mud a considerable distance out into the Humber. 

The four-metre long whale was, lying on its left side half submerged in the mud.  

Visible injuries were consistent with recent repeated stranding.  

Conducting thorough assessments of any animal's condition is essential to determine suitability for rescue, including information such as any prior stranding and their species.  

Pilot whales notoriously strand in enormous groups, sometimes into the hundreds, a whole school may strand alongside one unwell member. 

Environments such as mud banks and estuaries present significant dangers to volunteers, not to be dismissed especially in deteriorating light.

Despite the diligent efforts of everyone involved to help the stranded mammal - and the exploration of all possible options - the whale sadly passed away.

At least its death was relatively quick.

The incident has been logged with Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme, and vigilance is now being maintained in case of further strandings of the same species along the East Coast.  

British Divers Marine Life Rescue extends its  immense gratitude to the efforts of Cleethorpes Coastguard and Humberside Fire & Rescue Service  for their  support and for providing safety cover to all.

It also thanks Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue and several other organisations, plus members of the public. for their support.

* British Divers Marine Life Rescue is a registered charity operating a national rescue response to stranded marine mammals.  Our phone lines are available 24/7, and can be contacted on; 01825765546. Supporting BDMLR Lincolnshire can be done here via a JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/BDMLRLincolnshire