Humpback Whale Washed Up On The Beach in Kent

Photo © Phil Coles

On Thursday 13th April, a nine metre humpback whale was washed up dead on Kingsdown beach, close to Deal in Kent. It was a juvenile, probably around two years old. The body was severed almost in two, probably by a boat collision. It is not known whether the boat killed the whale or hit the body after it’s death. The whale was under weight and may have been sick for some time before hand.

Photo © Phil Coles

Humpbacks are usually restricted to offshore waters along our western seaboard, and pass our west coasts on their way north to their summer feeding grounds. It is very unusual for one to be found in the English Channel.

Photo © Phil Coles

A crowd gathered to watch as British Divers Marine Rescue officers took skin and blubber samples to send to London zoo for analysis before leaving the local council to deal with the partially disembowelled animal. It was collected late Friday afternoon and taken to a landfill.

Photo © Phil Coles

We will update this story if any new information comes to light.

Thanks to Phil Coles for permission to use the photos.