Twelve dolphins rescued after 21 stranded on Kerry beach

A remarkable rescue effort saw 12 common dolphins successfully returned to the sea after stranding on a beach west of Dingle, Co Kerry. The dolphins, including parents and calves, were part of a pod of 21 that beached themselves on Wednesday. Tragically, nine of the animals died before help could arrive. The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) expressed profound gratitude to the members of the public, tourists, and An Garda Síochána who assisted in the rescue. "Through the incredible teamwork of both locals and visitors to the area, 12 dolphins... were successfully refloated," the IWDG stated. "This is no small achievement and it was all hands on deck including the local Garda who came down to help carry some of the individuals back to sea." The IWDG also provided crucial advice for the public on how to assist stranded marine mammals. They emphasized the importance of contacting the group immediately and, while waiting for assistance, keeping the dolphin upright to allow its lungs to function. They cautioned against pulling dolphins by the tail, as this can cause spinal injury, and advised standing back from their blowhole for safety.

“

Through the incredible teamwork of both locals and visitors to the area, 12 dolphins... were successfully refloated.