Seal Group members turn out to help a stranded Striped Dolphin

Members of the Seal Group turned out to help a stranded Striped Dolphin in St Ives Bay. Striped dolphins are an offshore species and whilst they do frequent Cornish waters, they are at the northern edge of their natural habitat. Despite the lifeguards attempts to refloat the dolphin, it had restranded even before they called the British Divers Marine Life Rescue. Called out by local coordinator Tim Bain, Dan was the first medic at the scene and initial actions were to ensure the safety of the rescuers, so the dolphin had to be moved along the beach towards an access point through the cliffs. Assessment of the dolphin suggested it was a young adult about 2m in length. It showed few outward signs of ill health, although it was a little underweight and its respiration rate indicated a degree of stress. Medics joined us in good numbers and 3 refloat attempts were made, first on a tarpaulin and then on the pontoon. The dolphin was returned to the sea but restranded shortly afterwards, dashing everyone's hopes. As there are no dolphin rehabilitation facilities in the UK, this left only one option - to euthanase the dolphin. This was done with 2 Vets in attendance. Thanks go to all the BDMLR medics, vets and members of the public who made every attempt to return the dolphin to the sea and who worked tirelessly for more than 6 hours.

Striped Dolphin strands (left) : Keeping him cool & damp (mid left) : First refloat using tarp (mid right) : Entering the surf (right)

Team can't get deep enough (left) : Awaiting arrival of pontoon (mid left) : Refloat 2 on pontoon (mid right) : Battling with breakers (right)

Great teamwork (left) : Team spread out to keep dolphin at sea (mid left) : Dolphin restrands (mid right) : Euthanasia last option (right)

04/06/05