Incident Update 14 January
Yesterday (13 January), BDMLR responded to a mass stranding report of six common dolphins (including two calves) in Westray, Orkney. Following full welfare assessments, individual identification and veterinary authorisation, BDMLR Marine Mammal Medics carried out a strategic refloat of all six animals on the incoming tide.
All six dolphins were observed swimming well on release, however three animals were monitored as they remained close to shore. To ensure the safety of our volunteers, no further rescue attempts were undertaken once the conditions became unsuitable.
This morning, BDMLR received reports of one deceased dolphin found close to the original stranding site, with a second live dolphin in close proximity. Using the ID assessment carried out yesterday, both animals were confirmed to be two of the three dolphins that had remained close to shore following the refloat.
On assessment, the live animal’s condition had significantly deteriorated since release, and the decision was made to humanely euthanise the dolphin to stop further suffering. The team are now making arrangements for both deceased dolphins to be recovered for post-mortem examination by the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme to understand their life history and what potentially led to their initial stranding.
The remaining four dolphins, successfully refloated yesterday back to the sea, have not been sighted again since their release.
Thank you once more to the local Westray community and partner agencies for their support during this incident, and to those who reported the stranding animals promptly while giving them space. Lastly, thank you for the immense outpouring of support shown to our team throughout this challenging incident.
From charter boats to rescue slings, this response has demanded huge resources so far. If you can help us cover the costs, please donate: https://www.justgiving.com/charity/Bdmlr
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On Tuesday 13 January, BDMLR Marine Mammal Medics responded to a challenging mass stranding in Westray, Orkney. Reports were received by our Hotline during the morning of six live-stranded common dolphins, including two calves, that were discovered along the shoreline by the island’s residents.
Reaching the remote location required a rapid multi-agency effort, with Medics assisted by a local charter boat operator Northerly Marine to get the team and their rescue equipment on site as quickly as possible. Once ashore, the dolphins were located up to 800 metres apart, making the response both physically demanding and reliant on phones to communicate between the various stranding locations. This was made especially difficult by the poor signal in this remote location.
Cetacean strandings rarely occur without an underlying cause, although this is not always immediately apparent. In this case it appeared most likely that the group stranded on the previous high tide, potentially due to a navigational error, leaving them trapped as the water rapidly receded in the shallow bay.
The team carried out initial welfare assessments and carefully brought the dolphins closer together, helping to reduce stress whilst enabling continued monitoring and coordination as the incoming tide approached. Following thorough examination and individual identification, all animals were assessed as suitable candidates for refloat. With veterinary authorisation in place, the team prepared the dolphins for a strategic refloat attempt, using specialist refloat slings and equipment to support each animal safely in the incoming tide.
All six dolphins were refloated on the incoming tide and observed swimming well, with three remaining closer to shore and still of concern. With darkness falling and conditions no longer suitable for continued monitoring, Medics stood down for the evening. The team remains on standby to re-attend at first light should any further reports be received.
BDMLR would like to extend sincere thanks to everyone involved, from the members of the public who raised the alarm, to the local support, Westray Coastguard and boat crews who made access possible, and of course to our volunteer Medics for their swift, skilled response in extremely challenging conditions.
In light of this incident, if any further dolphins are seen stranded along the coastline, please call our hotline on: 01825 765546.
From charter boats to rescue slings, this response has demanded huge resources so far. If you can help us cover the costs, please donate: https://www.justgiving.com/charity/Bdmlr
Photograph credit to Tom Hadley, Sophie J and Chris S
