A dolphin that became separated from its pod and was found stranded on the River Yar in Freshwater this morning (Sunday) has been put to sleep.
As first reported by Island Echo, members of the public rushed to the dolphin’s aid at around 09:30 this morning.
HM Coastguard and British Marine Life Rescue were alerted to the discovery and teams of volunteers were mobilised to the scene at The Causeway.
After 2 members of the public were helped ashore by mud rescue technicians, efforts turned to assessing the dolphin and working to release it safely.
Despite the large scale rescue effort involving BMLR volunteers, Needles Coastguard Rescue Teams, Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team, Police, the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service and Island Roads, it was decided that nothing could be done to save the mammal.
A joint decision was taken to put the dolphin to sleep.
In a statement, a spokesperson for British Marine Life Rescue has told Island Echo:
“We were called to assess the dolphin after a concerned report about it in mud.
“The coastguards were efficient and helped organise the rescue along with our medics on scene.
“Initial assessment of the dolphin was that it was a young juvenile bottlenose dolphin who was attempting to roll in the shallow water. Myself and our veterinary advisor made the decision to have our team uplift the dolphin for better assessment and safety for the coastguard and medics away from the mud.
“The dolphins condition was extremely poor with a very high respiratory rate and effort.
“Sadly,the assessment concluded that this was not a good candidate for re release and sadly the dolphin was put to sleep with the very kind help from The Mobile Vet.
“The dolphin has been now removed and Cetacean Stranding Investigation Program will hopefully be able to perform a necropsy to get more information and insight in to what was happening with this young and very unwell dolphin.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to everyone involved in this rescue today”.
Any dolphins, whales or seals found in distress anywhere in the UK, British Divers Marine Life Rescue can be contacted 24/7 365 days a year on 01825765546.
Poor thing. What a horrible thing to have to do.
So many people tried to save it, poor baby. They must feel very sad as l do.
So very sad.
Very sad day, but how lovely that so many decent people tried their best to help. Great to see our emergency services are able to help too.
Absolutely right, massive thanks to all who tried to help. You all worked so hard to try & save it & at least it didn’t suffer too long at the end. Difficult decision but it was the best thing to do. Xxx
That is such a sad end to a great rescue effort which I watched on video on the mainland.
Oh what a shame. Massive respect to all involved in trying to save the dolphin. It obviously had to be done in the best interest of the little one.
I bet the zoo was the first in the queue… Ah, more free fresh meat. Altogether now, ‘Whale meet again, Don’t know where…..’