PHOTOS AND VIDEO: A white-beaked dolphin has been lifted from Sandown Beach by the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service following a battle to save the mammal’s life.
As first reported by Island Echo, rescue resources were mobilised to Culver Parade earlier on this afternoon following reports of a dolphin washed up on the shore.
It’s thought the same dolphin was seen in Shanklin at around 14:00.
Sadly, despite the best efforts of multiple agencies including the British Divers Marine Life Rescue and HM Coastguard, the fair-sized dolphin has been put to sleep this evening. The decision was the result of a consultation with a range of professionals and due to the injuries sustained.
Firefighters from Ryde and Newport have now successfully removed the mammal from the beach using an aerial ladder platform, with heavy lifting gear from the Rescue Tender.
The dolphin will be collected tomorrow and taken to London for a post mortem.
Culver Parade was shut by Police for a time to allow the recovery operation to take place, however the road has now re-opened.
