A WILDLIFE hospital has been left devastated after a whale died and another had to be put down despite a huge multi-agency rescue mission.

South Essex Wildlife Hospital, based in Orsett, was involved in the effort on Friday night to save two beached pilot whales on Canvey alongside emergency services, specialist rescuers and representatives from British Divers Marine Life Rescue.

A specialist mud rescue team also had to be called in, with rescue equipment being sent from all across the country and those involved working into the early hours, as part of the "desperate" bid to assess whales' injuries and get them back into deeper water.

Sadly, despite the efforts of all involved, the adult whale was unlikely to survive and not accessible, while the young whale was injured and deteriorating rapidly.

After working for more than 12 hours, the devastating decision had to be made to end the youngster's suffering and the whale was put down. 

A spokesman for the wildlife hospital said: "Outcomes like this are crushing for all involved. It has been a sombre morning for many of us, especially with comments about what could or should have been done circulating on social media.

"Please bear in mind that those involved tried every possible option and we would have done anything possible to change the outcome if we could."