Beached dolphin released out at sea

Members of the public tried since early this morning to get a Striped Dolphin back into the sea at Kings Beach, Port Elizabeth.

A beached dolphin was taken out to sea by NSRI Port Elizabeth today, 1 February 2013

Marine Scientists are cautiously optimistic the adult, female dolphin, which looked healthy on its release into the ocean, may survive. Samples of the dolphin have been taken for analysis.

Ian Gray, NSRI Port Elizabeth station commander, said at 7 am this morning the NSRI duty volunteer duty crew were alerted by some people who said they tried since early this morning to refloat a Striped Dolphin, into the sea at Kings Beach, Port Elizabeth. They had found the live dolphin on the beach and despite efforts to refloat her she kept stranding herself on the beach.

“NSRI Port Elizabeth contacted the local Bay World marine staff and the Department of Environmental Affairs – Oceans and Coasts that agreed to go to investigate.

At about 9 am NSRI duty crew were activated following a request for assistance. On arrival on-scene the NSRI sea rescue craft Eikos Rescuer IV transported the dolphin to deep water out at sea where she was released into the ocean from the sea rescue craft.

“Earlier reports from eye-witnesses suggested the dolphin was in the company of a juvenile dolphin, suspected of being her calf, before she beached. It is unknown if they are reunited at sea.”

“The area will continue to be monitored in case of any further possible beaching by the same dolphin or by the juvenile dolphin.”

(edited)

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