Second whale found dead in River Thames days after death of ‘Hessy’

A second whale was found dead in the River Thames today.

The mammal was found floating in Gravesend, Kent, 10 days after a humpback’s corpse was spotted nearby.

Scientists from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) will carry out a post mortem over the weekend.

Martin Garside, from the The Port of London Authority, said: "We managed to put a line around it to secure it and then towed it to one of our facilities to the east of Gravesend.

"There had been no live sightings of this whale so the first time anyone was aware was when it was found dead.

"It may have been dead for some days. It was lifted out of the water and passed to ZSL who will carry out a post mortem over the weekend."

Mr Garside added he “could not believe it” that two dead whales have been found in a short space of time.

An image of the sea limp animal floating next to docks was posted to Facebook with the caption: "A photo sent to me that I am told was taken this morning at Gravesend, showing an unconfirmed whale that has died.

"Unsure if it has been recovered by the PLA, but the relevant authorities have been made aware."

It comes after the humpback died after swimming into the Thames last week.

It was spotted surfacing in the river but was then found dead near Greenhithe, Kent, soon after.

The ZSL said the young female – nicknamed Hessy – was struck by a ship.



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