{"id":778078,"date":"2026-09-21T18:52:11","date_gmt":"2026-09-21T18:52:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/778078\/"},"modified":"2026-09-21T18:52:11","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T18:52:11","slug":"two-whales-dead-in-northumberland-after-mass-stranding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/778078\/","title":{"rendered":"Two whales dead in Northumberland after mass stranding"},"content":{"rendered":"

The BDMLR said it was not the same pod of whales which was herded out of the River Thames at the weekend<\/a> as the distance between the locations was further than the species could swim in 24 hours.<\/p>\n

Local boats were launched with medics on board to try to herd the whales offshore to stop them from stranding.<\/p>\n

But the animals remained tightly packed around one of the largest, which was lying motionless on its side.<\/p>\n

The teams were stood down after losing the light on Sunday.<\/p>\n

Earlier on Monday, the BDMLR said about a dozen had been stranded on Coquet Island around rocky terrain.<\/p>\n

On investigation, six animals were found – five ashore and one afloat.<\/p>\n

Two of the stranded whales were confirmed to have died, the BDMLR said.<\/p>\n

Due to the tides and limited access to the island, attempts to refloat the live animals were not possible and the teams withdrew once again.<\/p>\n

The BDMLR said it would remain along the coast, ready to provide care and attempt to refloat those which were healthy enough.<\/p>\n

The RSPB said its staff from nearby Coquet Island were continuing to support the BDMLR’s response to the incident.<\/p>\n

“This is a distressing situation and our thoughts are with all those involved in the response,” a spokesperson said.<\/p>\n

Follow BBC North East on X, external<\/a>, Facebook, external<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> and Instagram, external<\/a> and listen to Radio Newcastle on BBC Sounds<\/a>.<\/p>\n