Firefighters were called to assist in rescuing a minke whale at Richmond Lock and Weir in Richmond.
The minke whale measured four to six metres in length and was stranded on a concrete slipway.
Station Commander Glen Nicolaides, who was at the scene, said: “This was a very rare and unusual incident. Crews assisted the Coastguard, RNLI and other marine agencies at the scene.
“Our crews were on standby while a marine biologist and vet assessed the condition of the whale. The mammal was removed for further assessment by marine specialists.”
The Brigade was called at 2134 by the Coastguard and the incident was over by 0044.
Three fire engines and two fire rescue units from Richmond, Heston and Battersea fire stations were in attendance. The Brigade’s fire boat from Lambeth River Fire Station was also at the scene.