The rescue of a dolphin, which has become stuck on the banks of The Causeway, is underway in Freshwater this morning (Sunday).
The British Divers Marine Life Rescue organisation has been alerted to the situation, as have HM Coastguard.
2 members of the public are currently in the water supporting the mammal, which is understood to be a juvenile.
Island Echo is told the dolphin was first sighted in the area of Yarmouth at around 07:30 this morning.
UPDATE @ 10:50 – 3 people are now in the water assisting the bottlenose dolphin.
Needles Coastguard Rescue Team are on scene alongside members of the British Marine Life Rescue. Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team are also en-route with specialist mud rescue equipment.
The tide is coming in and the dolphin is showing some positive signs.
UPDATE @ 11:40 – 1 person is now out of the water having been assisted to the shore by Coastguard mud rescue technicians.
Yarmouth RNLI’s Y-boat has launched from the All Weather Lifeboat at Yarmouth Harbour is standing by with a crewman in the water alongside the dolphin and 3 members of the public.
BMLR co-ordinators are establishing a plan on the best course of action to take to successfully rescue the dolphin.
UPDATE @ 12:20 – The 2 members of the public – a man and a woman – and a BMLR volunteer are now out of the water, with another BMLR volunteer now hands on with the dolphin.
Paramedics from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service have arrived on scene to check over those involved in the incident, but all seem to be well. Police officers are also on scene for crowd control.
A hard road closure has been put in place on The Causeway to limit the number of vehicles in the area in the interests of safety.
UPDATE @ 13:10 – The dolphin has now been brought ashore with the use of an inflatable pontoon.
BMLR volunteers are keeping the mammal hydrated thanks to a human chain passing water from the river.
The rescue operation continues.
Wishing you all the good luck Filpper…..for a return into the water.
Totally agree , wishing a speedy return to its natural waters. Beautiful creatures . Well done and big thanks to all involved in the dolphins rescue.
Well done to all those who have gave there time today to save this beautiful creature