Dolphin becomes stranded on Gwithian beach in Hayle - Cornwall Live - Dolphin becomes stranded on Gwithian beach in Hayle  Cornwall Live [Hayle and Angarrack news | Google]

Dolphin becomes stranded on Gwithian beach in Hayle

The dolphin is now back at sea

A live stranded dolphin was successfully rescued from a beach in Hayle yesterday (December 15).

British Divers Marine Life Rescue received a report from a dog walker that the live dolphin was stranded on Gwithian beach at around 10.30am.

The animal, a juvenile male common dolphin, was stranded near the high water mark, but with a rapidly outgoing tide and huge surf.

It was assessed and had a number of superficial injuries and was deemed to be in moderate body condition.

Its breathing rate was high due to the stress of its situation and the first responders administered first aid to keep the animal upright and make it comfortable.

A live stranded dolphin was succesfully rescued in Hayle (Image: Hayle Surf Life Saving Club)

A spokesperson for British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) said: “ A team of volunteer Marine Mammal Medics was immediately mobilised to the scene to assess the situation and provide first aid.

“As there was a very strong wind blowing it was also a challenge to keep the animal wet, as it would dry out very quickly, so a surfboard and windbreak were used to protect it too. The breathing rate soon came back down to normal levels.”

The rescue team had to protect the dolphin with a surfboard and windbreak (Image: Hayle Surf Life Saving Club)

BDMLR veterinarian, James Barnett, then decided that the animal was in suitable condition for refloat, but due to rough sea at Gwithian, it would be relocated somewhere safer.

Hayle Surf Lifesaving Club volunteered its four-wheel drive vehicle to transport the dolphin a further half mile up the beach to so that it could be driven to Carbis Bay beach, in St Ives, where the surf was not as rough.

Hayle Surf Lifesaving Club volunteered its four-wheel drive vehicle to transport the dolphin across the beach safely (Image: Hayle Surf Life Saving Club)

A spokesperson for BDMLR said: “This was the best opportunity for getting the animal back out.

“The team spent some time following it as it travelled parallel to the beach reorienting itself and gathering strength to discourage it from re-stranding, and after about 20 minutes the animal started swimming much more strongly and headed off out to sea before being lost to sight.

“This incident was another great effort by our volunteer Marine Mammal Medics to respond to the various challenges presented by this particular incident.

“Along with those involved, we would like to give our sincerest thanks to Hayle Surf Life Saving Club, Carbis Bay Hotel and NCI St Ives for their help and support in reaching a successful outcome for this dolphin again."

via https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/dolphin-becomes-stranded...