Marine experts rush to save six dolphins stranded alive on beach

By Lauren Beavis

Photos show marine experts rushing to save the lives of six dolphins that were stranded alive on a beach.

BDMLR Marine Mammal Medics responded to a "challenging" mass stranding on Tuesday, Jan. 13.

They received reports that six live-stranded common dolphins, including two calves, had been discovered by island residents along a shoreline in Westray, Orkney.

It is believed that the group became stranded on the previous high tide - possibly due to a navigational error - which left them trapped as the water rapidly receded in the shallow bay.

Emily Mayman, BDMLR National Rescue Coordinator, explained how reaching the remote location required a rapid multi-agency effort.

She explained: "Medics had to be assisted by a local charter boat operator Northerly Marine to get the team and their rescue equipment on site as quickly as possible."

Once they arrived at the mass stranding, the team discovered that the dolphins were up to 800 meters apart.

Emily explained that this made the response even more demanding due to its physical nature and because they had to be reliant on phones to communicate between the various stranding locations - made especially difficult by the poor signal in the remote location.

The team carried out initial welfare assessments and carefully brought the dolphins closer together to help 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 and with veterinary authorization.

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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.

Emily said: "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."

Unfortunately, the morning after the release, BDMLR received reports of one deceased dolphin found close to the original stranding site, with a second live dolphin in close proximity.

Both animals were confirmed to be two of the three dolphins that had remained close to shore following the refloat.

Emily said: "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.

Emily added: "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, the team have said this response has demanded huge resources so far.