Dolphin Sighted Near Brentford Has Died

Became beached on the foreshore near Wandsworth Bridge

Dolphin in the Thames near Kew Bridge. Picture: Chiswick RNLI

The dolphin that was spotted by numerous people on the riverbank in Chiswick swimming in the Thames has been found dead.

It became beached on the foreshore this Tuesday (7 November) near Wandsworth Bridge having swum back downstream. It had been seen between Hammersmith and Kew Bridges on 30 October.

The Metropolitan Police’s Marine Policing Unit have confirmed the death and the body will now be examined by marine experts at the Zoological Society of London.

The police are also asking people to watch out for any other dolphins that may have swum up the river and report them as soon as possible.

They said on Twitter, "Sad to tell you that a dead Common #Dolphin was washed up on the foreshore at Wandsworth yesterday. Our friends at @ZSLMarine will carry out tests to determine why it was in fresh water. There may be others so keep an eye out & report any sightings."

Dolphin sightings on the Thames are not unusual but more rare this far up. River users often report seeing small dolphins or possibly porpoises following their boats.

 

Anyone with concerns regarding a specific marine animal can contact British Divers Marine Life Rescue directly on 01825 765546 or 07787 433412 (out of hours).

 

November 10, 2017