Two Common Dolphins returned to the sea after successful rescue on Cumbrian coast

December 2007. Volunteers from the marine animal rescue charity British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) fought for a day to save the life of two Common dolphins. The animals had stranded on the beach at the South Walney Nature Reserve, on Walney Island near Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. The two male dolphins, named ‘Max’ and ‘Paddie’ by the rescue team, had stranded on the beach in the bitterly cold weather. Common dolphins spend only a little time in coastal waters and these two young males may have been ‘confused’ by the shoreline.

A team of BDMLR Marine Mammal Medics lead by Area Coordinator Jenny Watkins lead the rescue by ensuring the dolphins were made conformable on air beds, doused with water and covered with wet sheets to prevent their skin from desiccating. A local vet from Barrow-in-Furness initially attended to examine the animals. They were found to be in good general condition. Both dolphins were then given rehydration fluids via a stomach tube. This is a standard procedure for stranded dolphins as they dehydrate swiftly in stranding incidents. Staff from the Coastguard and RSPCA also assisted the BDMLR team. The location of the incident was challenging due to the cold weather, fast tide and quicksand.

Veterinary Assessment
A full assessment of the dolphins was made and images were taken on mobile phones and sent to BDMLR Veterinary Director James Barnett so he could assist the vet on site with his examination.

Jenny Watkins said, ‘The larger dolphin, ‘Max’, was very lively and vocal whereas the smaller one, ‘Paddie’, was quieter. We were more concerned about ‘Paddie’ but the vet was still of the opinion that both dolphins were in good enough condition for us to attempt a refloat’.
‘We then moved the dolphins into the water on the airbeds and a dolphin stretcher and started our procedure of rocking the dolphins gently to restore their equilibrium and muscle tone’, continued Jenny. ‘The RSPCA also helped with getting the dolphins into the water, we all worked together as a team really well.’

Dolphins returned to the Sea
At 4.45pm, following a final veterinary assessment, the two dolphins were allowed to swim freely away. The dolphins made a slight turn along the shore and were then encouraged by the team, slapping the water, out into the deeper water.

‘We did everything we could for Max and Paddie and they have been given the best possible chance to survive. It was wonderful to see the two dolphins swimming strongly away together.’ said Jenny, ‘We did everything ‘by the book’ and following our training and we will be back in the morning to check the shoreline just in case they re-strand. I would like to thank the Coastguard, RSPCA and warden from the nature reserve for their assistance as well as our marvellous team of BDMLR Marine Mammal Medics.’