Last week, two stranded dolphins were reported to the British Divers Marine Life Rescue hotline after being seen in shallow water in Mumbles, South Wales.
Our local Marine Mammal Medics attended and found both dolphins stuck and thrashing in the shallows. One managed to refloat themselves independently and headed into deeper water, while the second was rolling and struggling to remain upright.
The team secured the remaining dolphin and carefully brought the animal ashore, where they were identified as a young female common dolphin. She was in good condition, had no visible injuries and responded well to the first aid provided. Following advice from our Rescue Coordinators and veterinary advisor, a carefully controlled refloat was authorised. Temporary identification markers and biodegradable tape were also placed on the dolphin to help identify her should she restrand.
Although deliberately stranding a dolphin may seem counterintuitive, a stranded dolphin should never be pushed or dragged back out to sea. Dolphins may be exhausted, injured or unwell, and returning them to the water without an experienced assessment can put the animal at risk of drowning or stranding again. Similar to how people can become disorientated at sea, dolphins need time and support to re-establish their balance once back in the water, part of the training our teams are trained to help them do.
Our team stabilised the dolphin in the water, supporting her weight while balance was regained. Throughout she was calm, and displayed positive signs of holding an upright position independently. Medics withdrew their support, allowing the animal to float freely, trialling a release. The dolphin swam forwards, making a wide arc around the team before swimming strongly forwards in to deeper water. Neither dolphin has been seen since, suggesting both have moved on away from the area.
BDMLR would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the members of the public who called our hotline and to our South Wales team for their hard work throughout the response. Work like this cannot happen without public support, which helps fund the specialist equipment we use and enables our Medics to reach marine mammals in need.
If you find a dolphin, whale or porpoise ashore or struggling in shallow water, please do not attempt to return them to the sea. Call BDMLR’s 24/7 Rescue Hotline (01825 765546) for advice.
