Rescuers try to guide pod of whales off Essex coast into deeper water A group of pilot whales spotted off the Essex coast are being herded out into deeper water to stop them from stranding. The 40-strong pod have been spotted just a mile offshore and have been sheltering near the Blackwater Estuary. Boats are being used by British Divers Marine Life Rescue and Essex police's marine unit to try to herd the whales further out to sea as the estuary has a number of mud and sand flats. This could lead to the pod, which was initially spotted off the Norfolk coast, becoming stranded when the tide goes out. Members of the public have been asked to keep their distance to stop the animals from becoming upset.