Northern Ireland

Rescue workers praised after saving stranded dolphins in Strangford Lough

Rescue workers Josh and Ruby came to the aid of two dolphins that became stranded in Strangford Lough. Picture, Rescue First Aid Training
Rescue workers Josh and Ruby came to the aid of two dolphins that became stranded in Strangford Lough. Picture, Rescue First Aid Training Rescue workers Josh and Ruby came to the aid of two dolphins that became stranded in Strangford Lough. Picture, Rescue First Aid Training
By Allan Preston

RESCUE workers have been praised after saving a mother and baby dolphin who became stranded on Strangford Lough.

On Thursday, medics from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) were called to the coastline near Castle Espie where the mother and calf were found on the beach.

Coastguard teams from Portaferry and Bangor were also dispatched and said that with the tide returning they were eventually able to help them into deeper water.

Rescue workers Josh and Ruby came to the aid of two dolphins that became stranded in Strangford Lough. Picture, Rescue First Aid Training.
Rescue workers Josh and Ruby came to the aid of two dolphins that became stranded in Strangford Lough. Picture, Rescue First Aid Training. Rescue workers Josh and Ruby came to the aid of two dolphins that became stranded in Strangford Lough. Picture, Rescue First Aid Training.

“They were observed swimming into the distance and we are pleased to say they should make a full recovery,” a post from the Portaferry Coastguard page read.

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Describing the scene in detail, Ruby Free from the Rescue Adventure First Aid group said: “Today I was called out to a mother and baby (calf) dolphin stranding incident at Strangford Lough.

“When we arrived the mother and calf were in a bad way with super dry bodies and eyes. We kept the mother and daughter moist with wet towels and when the tide came in enough, attempted to re-float the pair,” she told Love Ballymena.

“Once in the water, we sat with the dolphins until they had enough depth to swim for themselves.

“When we let go, at first all seemed well, but the immense push of the tide brought them back onto the sandbank time and time again.”

Two dolphins were successfully returned to the sea after becoming stranded in Strangford Lough. Picture, Rescue First Aid Training.
Two dolphins were successfully returned to the sea after becoming stranded in Strangford Lough. Picture, Rescue First Aid Training. Two dolphins were successfully returned to the sea after becoming stranded in Strangford Lough. Picture, Rescue First Aid Training.

When the mother was eventually able to swim for herself, the exhausted young calf struggled.

“Seeing the energy being stripped from the calf, we held her for 15 minutes until she got enough energy to try again. Staring into the eyes of this beautiful young creature, I was so determined to get it out again,” said Ruby.

“We let her go once more and she swam speedily back to her mum. Another 10-15 minutes later, the pair were reunited and back out in deeper water and swam off together.

“We hope they find their way to the sea from here and make a speedy recovery from their small injuries (a few scratches on the body).”

Thanking the Coastguard and staff at Wetlands Trust Castle Espie for keeping them safe, she added: “The incident happened so quickly that I didn’t have enough time to put a wetsuit on, so ended up fully submerged in my normal outfit… but thanks to Helen Beattie I went back to have a hot shower, some puppy cuddles and a hot chocolate before heading home.

“What a day. I’m knackered, emotional and very proud!”

Two dolphins were successfully returned to the sea after becoming stranded in Strangford Lough. Picture, Rescue First Aid Training.
Two dolphins were successfully returned to the sea after becoming stranded in Strangford Lough. Picture, Rescue First Aid Training. Two dolphins were successfully returned to the sea after becoming stranded in Strangford Lough. Picture, Rescue First Aid Training.

Should anyone spot the dolphins stranded again in the waters of Strangford Lough, they are encouraged to call British Divers Marine Life Rescue on 01825 765546.