Ballycotton RNLI called to rescue dolphin stranded in shallow water

A member of the public who was on scene had tried to assist the dolphin back to sea but when they were unable to do so they alerted the Ballycotton lifeboat. At this point, Ballycotton’s inshore lifeboat was launched by its volunteer crew and was on scene quickly. The all-weather lifeboat was also on standby with a full crew however due to the offshore breeze and calm weather conditions it was decided to only launch the inshore lifeboat initially.

Upon arrival Coxswain Eolan Walsh entered the water, guided the dolphin into deeper water and shepherded it back out to sea.

Speaking following the call out, Ballycotton RNLI Coxswain Eolan Walsh said: ‘Similar to a previous launch last summer this dolphin appeared to be quite young and may have been separated from its pod. We would like to commend the member of the public who assisted the dolphin initially. We were happy to help and bring the dolphin into deeper waters.’

Ends

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For more information please contact Michelle Scanlon, Ballycotton RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press on 0863528919, email mellsca@hotmail.com or contact Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Ireland on 0876483547, email Nuala_McAloon@rnli.org.uk or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager Ireland on 0871254124 or 018900460 or email Niamh_Stephenson@rnli.org.uk

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