Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) responders are remaining vigilant over Christmas after the live stranding of a pod of dolphins over two days last weekend on the Clare coast.
As Afloat reported earlier, responders had a challenging two days attempting to refloat the pod of up to 27 dolphins, which became trapped in shallow waters near Ballyvaughan on the north Clare coast.
IWDG co-ordinator Dr Simon Berrow said it was the second largest mass stranding of marine mammals on the Irish coast on record.
The IWDG said the dolphins were “in good body condition, indicating they were a healthy pod prior to the event”.
An aerial view of the stranding site shows multiple dolphins scattered across the mudflats. Rescuers faced difficult conditions over two days to help refloat the pod during incoming tides. Photo: IWDG
“This was most likely a case of navigational error on a dropping tide, with this pelagic pod becoming disoriented in shallow, muddy terrain and unable to escape before the tide receded,”it said.
“This area was very very difficult to work in, due to soft mud. The safest option for all was to wait for a natural refloat with the incoming tide,”it said.
“When the tide returned, the first four refloated at approximately 13:30 (on Sunday December 21st), with the remaining group of 24 refloating shortly before 15:00,”it said.
“ Once the tide had risen enough to permit limited intervention, IWDG responders assisted numerous dolphins, including calves swimming in the wrong direction. Some calves swam directly to their mothers once freed from seaweed and gently guided,”it explained.
Sadly, seven dolphins died, mainly those that had stranded on their sides.
The remaining dolphins refloated and were observed swimming into deeper water as the tide rose, the IWDG said.
Early on Monday morning, December 22nd, members of the local community checked the area and reported back to IWDG that several dolphins were again in shallow water.
“Volunteers were mobilised and, assisted by the National Park and Wildlife Service, located and attended to eight dolphins. These animals were positioned upright, monitored, and cared for, awaiting the incoming tide which took several hours,”it said.
“All eight dolphins were refloated during the incoming tide and herded out of the bay. There was no sign of them when the last volunteer left the area, so fingers crossed all remained out of the area over night,”it said.
“Live strandings are extremely difficult and often heartbreaking, but responders on scene worked calmly and carefully to give these dolphins the best possible chance of survival in an area where deep mud severely limits intervention,”the IWDG said.
“A huge thank you to all involved — IWDG responders and officers, NPWS, and the local community — who supported the response and helped ensure the safest possible outcome in extremely challenging conditions. Some responders attended both days, both which were long on full days. A huge heartfelt thanks to all who responded and coordinated this live stranding response so well in challenging conditions,”it said.
Read the IWDG account here
