Beluga whale spotted swimming in the Thames

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue says it's "concerning as it's not a common species" but it's swimming strongly and feeding.

Tuesday 25 September 2018 19:01, UK

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Rare beluga whale spotted in River Thames
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A beluga whale has been spotted swimming in the River Thames in Kent.

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue says it is "concerning as it's not a common species, however it's swimming strongly and feeding".

LIVE: Beluga whale spotted swimming in the Thames

The RSPCA says it is "sending an officer" to look further into the matter as videos circulate on social media.

Ecologist and ornithologist Dave Andrews posted a video on Twitter saying: "Can't believe I'm writing this, no joke - BELUGA in the Thames off Coalhouse Fort".

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Mr Andrews says a beluga whale has been feeding around the barges and has roughly stayed in the same spot for about an hour.

Beluga whales, also called white whales, are most commonly seen in waters in the Arctic close to the coast.

Photographers on the banks of the Thames
Image: Crowds of photographers have gathered on the banks of the Thames