Beached dolphin safely returned to ocean

Over the past weekend a dolphin beached onto a rocky outcrop on the Lower Point beach in Jeffrey’s Bay. Two young fishermen and nearby beach-goers attempted to save the animal by returning it to the water, but were unsuccessful. The NSRI was alerted to assist. The dolphin had sustained minor scrapes and cuts to its fins from the rocks.

The Marine Animal Stranding Network and a vet were called to the scene, they assessed the dolphin’s condition and declared that the animal was healthy despite the injuries. Members of the public and the NSRI placed the dolphin onto the back of a bakkie and transported it from Lower Point to Dolphin Beach, roughly an 8 minute drive.

From there the dolphin was loaded onto the NSRI sea rescue craft and released 1.5km away from the beach.

For a few minutes after being released the dolphin circled the sea rescue craft before swimming off. The NSRI has commended all those involved in rescuing and safely returning this marine mammal to the ocean.