Whale Hunt in the Thames: The first recorded whale hunt in the River Thames was halted yesterday by river policeman, George Thirkle. From a police launch off Tilbury Docks he boarded the boat which had been hunting the 30 pilot whales first seen in the Thames a fortnight age (although at first they were thought to be porpoise). He said "These whales, dead or alive, are the property of the Queen." He quoted section 12, rule 84, paragraph 8, of the port's by laws, forbidding the killing, capturing, catching, trapping of any animals or bird in the area. The whale hunter was John Sadler, 30-year old professional diver and dolphin trainer, He was working for Billy Smart, the circus man, who wants a whale for his marine zoo. Sitting on a wooden plank over the bows of the "whaler", Mr.Sadler tried three times to capture a whale with a nylon lasso. He would like to go on trying. Last night, Billy Smart's son, Ronnie, said: "I have not abandoned hope yet. I shall go to the highest authority." Photo shows The hunt was over when a police launch from Essex police came alongside the hunter's boat, and bearded P.C.George Thirkle, quoting a rule from the By-laws Annual, stopped any further hunting.
Photo measures 8 x 10.25 inches.
Photo is dated 11-11-1965.
Photo back:
