Dolphins stranded on Mayo beach are returned to sea

More that 20 dolphins stranded at Tarmon Breach in Belmullet have been returned to the sea following a rescue effort.

The operation was conducted by the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG), assisted by several local volunteers.

The mammals were washed ashore earlier today after becoming stranded during low tide.

Reports have confirmed that over 20 of them were refloated during the subsequent high tide.

However it is understood one of the dolphins died.

The IWDG told RTÉ News that the north Mayo area in question is one of the most common locations in the country for what are known as 'live strandings' of dolphins due to a tidal flat.