Two dolphins – an adult and a calf – died after becoming stranded off the West Cumbrian coast.
British Divers Marine Life Rescue, volunteer medics, a veterinary surgeon from Millcroft and Maryport Coastguard Rescue Team were called to Beckfoot, near Silloth, on Monday, September 22.
Four dolphins had washed up on the shore – two adults, a juvenile and a calf.
British Divers Marine Life Rescue said: “Upon arrival it was confirmed that one adult and the calf had already died.
“The surviving adult, found stranded beside the deceased calf, was in good condition, while the juvenile had sustained superficial injuries thought to be caused by scavengers.
“With safety cover provided by the Maryport Coastguard Rescue team, medics worked to stabilise the two live dolphins monitoring their condition, keeping them upright and their skin hydrated.
“Although high tide had been forecast for 1am, the flat beach saw water rising earlier and more rapidly than predicted.
“For safety reasons, the team withdrew from the shoreline as the tide advanced. From a safe distance, they observed as the dolphins refloated on the tide and disappeared into the darkness.
“At first light, a medic revisited the site and found no further stranded dolphins.”
The dead adult dolphin was recovered for the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme to help research and improve understanding of why strandings happen.
British Divers Marine Life Rescue added: “Cetaceans can strand for a variety of reasons.
“Some may be compromised by illness, disease, injury, entanglement, malnutrition, maternal separation, or age-related conditions. Others may be apparently healthy but strand due to navigational errors, strong social bonds, or disturbance from underwater noise.
“We would like to thank our volunteer marine mammal medics, Millcroft Vets, and Maryport Coastguard for their invaluable support during this challenging incident.”
