Striped dolphin found stranded on Cornish beach
It's the second dolphin stranding incident that the British Divers Marine Life Rescue have dealt with in days
Last updated 21st Feb 2024
Another stranded dolphin has been found in Cornwall - the second since Friday.
The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) were called to Praa Sands on Saturday (17 February) just after 4.00pm.
Members of the public were attempting to refloat it despite dangerously rough surf and poor weather conditions.
Porthleven Coastguard Rescue Team were dispatched for human safety supervision, while BDMLR volunteer Marine Mammal Medics were summoned to respond.
On arrival, the first medics were able to take control and recovered the dolphin, which was being washed up the beach by the waves, safely above the water line so it could be stabilised and assessed.
It was found to be a striped dolphin, which is infrequently recorded in the UK as it is a warmer-water species usually found in the Bay of Biscay.
Many stranded striped dolphins in the UK have been found in poor nutritional condition with underlying health issues, so typically have to be put to sleep on that basis, however on this occasion the dolphin was assessed to be in moderate condition, making it a possible candidate to be refloated.
Further assessment showed minor injuries caused by stranding plus some old wounds, and it was recorded as a male measuring two metres long.
It was evidently very stressed with a breathing rate reaching as high as 14 breaths per minute, which was eventually decreased due to the first aid being provided.
The dolphin was transported to Carbis Bay to be released back out to sea.
The following morning, medics were already out searching the area when a call came in of the same dolphin in the surf at Hayle, so a team was deployed with a veterinarian again.
On arrival, the dolphin was brought ashore for reassessment. This established that its health had declined, and the breathing rate remained erratic despite first aid.
Due to these factors and concern about other underlying health issues, it was decided euthanasia would be the best option for its welfare.
BDMLR said its prognosis had considerably deteriorated and it would likely continue to restrand and suffer.
Following an efficient and painless procedure, it was taken for post mortem examination with Cornwall Marine Pathology Team.
This is the second dolphin stranding incident that the BDMLR have dealt with in recent days, after helping with a rescue near Portscatho on Friday.