A MARINE expert from Kent has spoken about his role in the valiant bid to save the whale trapped in the Thames.

Mark Stevens, director of British Divers Marine Life Rescue, worked around the clock to try and lead the distressed bottlenose whale to deeper waters after it was spotted by a train passenger on Friday morning.

However, the 29-hour rescue attempt involving medics, police and The Port of London Authority ended in heartbreak when the 18ft mammal died while being transported to the Thames Estuary.

The rescue bid created world-wide interest.

Mr Stevens and his team had managed to winch the mammal, weighing up to four tonnes, on to a barge after holding it in a special pontoon, but were unable to save the endangered animal.

Medics believe the whale finally died close to Gravesend at 7pm on Saturday after suffering convulsions.

Mr Stevens, of Ingram Road, Gillingham, was supported by Geoff Hammock, of Elaine Avenue, Strood, throughout the £100,000 rescue bid. Mr Hammock, another director of BDMLR, acted as a cox on one of the rescue boats.

Mr Stevens, a teacher at the Silverbank Centre in Churchill Avenue, Chatham,

said: “Lifting the whale on to the barge was a very delicate operation but the crew were magnificent.

“The response from the crowd was fantastic. Even when we got down the Thames we could still cameras flashing, but when we knew the whale had died we turned off all the lights on the barge.

“We didn’t want to be seen crying.

“I have not slept since I got up on Friday morning, but would never have missed this. It must have been better than being in the England cricket team when they won back The Ashes.

“We did everything we could for the animal. We are all so sad but will move on from this and hope we are successful in our next rescue.

“I am so grateful to everyone who gave some much time and effort and have nothing but praise for the volunteers.”