Whale in the Thames drew millions during a 2006 rescue attempt

In January 2006 a northern bottlenose whale entered the River Thames and a large-scale rescue effort tried to move the 19ft animal out to sea; it died on the barge and post‑mortem samples have since supported scientific research.

In January 2006 a northern bottlenose whale swam into the River Thames near central London and photos of the animal passing the Houses of Parliament quickly drew wide attention. Rescue teams from British Divers Marine Life Rescue and veterinary staff worked through the day to manoeuvre the 19ft (5.85m) whale onto a barge and tow it toward the sea. Large crowds gathered on riverbanks and bridges and media coverage was broadcast internationally. As the barge neared Gravesend the whale convulsed, was sedated by the veterinary team and then died; a post‑mortem the following day showed it was dehydrated and had not been feeding. Key details: - Date and animal: The incident occurred on 19 January 2006 and involved a northern bottlenose whale about 19ft long. - Rescue teams and people: British Divers Marine Life Rescue and the UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme were involved; individuals interviewed included rescuer Mark Stevens and project manager Rob Deaville. - Public and media response: Thousands gathered along the Thames while live television and helicopters covered the event; the team were later advised that many millions watched the coverage. - Rescue actions: Inflatable pontoons and a lifting barge were used and teams raced the tide so a crane could clear the bridges as they moved the animal downstream. - Outcome and findings: The whale convulsed and died on the barge after being sedated; a post‑mortem found the animal dehydrated, not feeding and likely affected by repeated live strandings. - Legacy: Biological samples from the post‑mortem have informed research since then, the skeleton was later displayed, and the story inspired artistic works. Summary: The rescue attempt drew national and international attention and highlighted strong public interest in the fate of the animal. Biological material collected during the incident has continued to contribute to scientific study, and the event remains notable for the wide public response and its continuing cultural and research legacy.