Dolphin in Weymouth shallow waters helped by rescuers
The mammal wanted to beach itself, but the area was too busy
A dolphin - thought to be injured off the Dorset coast - has been aided by rescue teams.
Coastguards, the RNLI, police and a veterinary nurse were called to help the mammal yesterday (Wednesday 24th August)
It had spent most of the day in Weymouth's waters.
But it seemed in distress - experts thought it wanted to beach itself but couldn't due to crowds.
There were also concerns about people being abusive to those who were trying to help the animal.
It's also reported that beachgoers were harassing and chasing the dolphin before rescuers arrived, which will have added to its stress levels.
Teams set up a cordon to give the dolphin some space, with coastguards telling us it was still swimming in shallow water at 8.15pm last night.
Other rescuers stayed keeping watch until after dark and returned to check again this morning (Thursday 25th August).
It was believed the animal was found deceased in Weymouth Harbour, but that's not been confirmed at this stage.