Mayo dolphin rescue mission a success

A LUCKY dolphin was successfully returned to waters off the Mayo coast after a rescue crew in Achill came to its aid.

Mayo Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) shared the good news following yesterday's (Wednesday) mission on their social media.

At 4.22 p.m., the IWDG stranding hotline rang after Mia Lavelle Cafferkey reported a live dolphin stranded in Cashel South, behind Ted’s Bar and Restaurant.

A quick call was made to IWDG responder Sorcha Kennedy, who mobilised immediately with Mick Kane, Gary English and Laura Timoney, all from Achill Outdoor Education Centre.

The dolphin - a sub-adult female common dolphin - was found in a completely dried-out area made up of sandbars, channels and inlets between Achill island and the mainland. It's area you don't expect to find pelagic common dolphin, who are at home in open water.

The dolphin was in good overall condition, with some minor cuts and scratches from stranding, and her breathing rate was within expected parameters.

With daylight fading, the team acted swiftly, carefully translocating the dolphin to deep, open water on the south of Achill Island at Dooega beach. And shortly after 5 p.m. she swam out to sea.

Mayo IWDG described it as 'a textbook response, and a wonderful example of local coordination, experience, and teamwork'.

The group shared advice to anyone who sees a stranded dolphin: 'If you encounter a live dolphin on the shore, take a short video (if safe), record the exact location using GPS or a Google pin, and call the emergency live-stranding hotline on (097) 28118 straight away.

'Please do not try to refloat or handle the animal. Never drag it by the tail as this may cause the animal life ending injuries. Not all animals can be refloated. We have trained volunteers across Ireland who can assess the situation and respond appropriately.'