Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) volunteers have assisted in the successful refloating of a pod of dolphins after another stranding near Ballyvaughan on the Co Clare coast.
The eight stranded dolphins were spread across three areas, with two adults and two calves to the east of the channel.
“One calf was separated and out of sight from the others. Two volunteers gently lifted the calf using a makeshift stretcher and re-positioned it head-to-head with its group. This eastern basin was expected to fill first as the tide returned,”the IWDG’s responder Trea Heapes said.
“Further west, beside the deepest channel, were another two dolphins — a mother and calf. From previous experience we knew this area would fill shortly after the eastern basin. Both animals were upright, calm, and breathing normally,” Heapes said.
“The final group, two adults, were positioned slightly south toward the pier and would be the last to refloat,” she said.
“Having assisted with a previous mass live stranding at the same location before Christmas, we were familiar with the terrain and felt well prepared to respond,” Heapes said.
Local kayakers also took to the water to assist once the dolphins were refloated on a rising tide. The IWDG team was also assisted by Penny Bartlett of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Read the IWDG report here
