Northern Ireland

Porpoise dies after being washed up on Co Down beach

The porpoise was found washed up on a Co Down beach. Picture by Bangor Coastguard Rescue Team/ Facebook
The porpoise was found washed up on a Co Down beach. Picture by Bangor Coastguard Rescue Team/ Facebook The porpoise was found washed up on a Co Down beach. Picture by Bangor Coastguard Rescue Team/ Facebook

A PORPOISE has died after being washed up on a Co Down beach.

It was spotted by two members of the public on Ballyholme beach near Bangor on Tuesday night.

The pair entered the water to try and help the porpoise.

Members of the Bangor Coastguard Rescue Team, who were training in the area, were called to the scene by police shortly before 8pm.

In a post on Facebook, the coastguard team said: "As we arrived at the scene we found two members of the public had entered the water to try and assist the animal.

"Team members immediately got the members of the public out of the water and to a place of safety.

"We are sad to say the animal did not make it.

"The Northern Ireland Environment Agency was contacted to assist with the removal of the animal."

The coastguard also said: "We urge people not to endanger their own lives for animals in the water. Please dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard."