She was at the scene within 20 minutes
A washed-up dolphin drew crowds of anxious onlookers to Llandudno promenade as marine medics battled to save its life. The bloodied dolphin left many distressed as it was tended to at a nearby prom shelter.
Medics made the decision to euthanise the young dolphin following an operation that lasted almost nine hours. As well as suffering multiple injuries after Storm Darragh, the dolphin was found to have an “underlying condition”. Perilous sea conditions during the storm also prevented any attempt to refloat the dolphin.
The Llandudno Coastguard rescue was first on the scene at around 10.45am on Sunday, December 8, after being alerted by members of the public. Volunteers from British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) were also called to Llandudno’s North Shore beach following reports of a dolphin stranded near the water’s edge, North Wales Live reports.
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By the time they arrived, they found the animal had been moved back into the water by well-meaning members of the public. Gem Simmons, BDMLR North Wales rescue coordinator, said stranded animals – seals, whales, porpoises and dolphins – should always be left untouched on the shoreline.
She said: “The initial report described the animal as a porpoise. Given the stormy conditions, we assessed whether it was safe to attend. Ths incident was considered urgent, so a team was gathered.
“First team member there, within 20 minutes, was a volunteer doing her Christmas shopping. She liased with the Coastguard until other medics arrived. Unfortunately the dolphin had been placed back in the sea. Being ill, it needed to strand but it was struggling to reach the shore again as it wasn’t strong enough.
“We knew it would eventually make it to shore but it was buffeted by the surf for almost an hour before it managed to do so. As the tide was coming in, and because the large waves were throwing rocks, we decided to move the dolphin to a promenade shelter so the medics could get to work safely.”
The animal was a young common dolphin. It was found to have deep cuts to its tail, beak and above both eyes. It wasn’t overly thin but BDMLR diagnosed an underlying illness that had left it weak and in need of resting up on land.
Anxious passersby gathered to watch and they were asked not to share photos or videos as it fought for its life. Local businesses kept the rescue team supplied with hot drinks.
The rescue brought mixed emotions for those watching on. “Couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw a dolphin on the prom today!” said one woman, not realising the circumstances. “That must have been one heck of a wave!” Others, seeing blood pouring from the injured animal, said they found it “quite upsetting”.
Two more marine mammals were also reported stranded at Prestatyn, Denbighshire, over the weekend. One was on the beach near the Nova Centre, the other on the resort’s promenade by the Beaches Hotel. An adult female harbour porpoise was also washed ashore in Prestatyn during Storm Bert a fortnight ago. Last week, a dead stranded porpoise was found on the beach at Deganwy, Conwy.
Gem said options to refloat Llandudno’s dolphin were explored. North Shore beach was considered unsuitable for an operation that can take up to an hour. “We need a gently sloping beach – and not 10ft waves!” she said.
Options to relocate the dolphin to another beach were considered. But none within the maximum allowable 30-minute radius were suitable in the stormy conditions.
“Given that the dolphin had twice stranded, the extent of its injuries and its underlying condition, the decision was taken to put it to sleep,” said Gem. “It’s probable the injuries were caused as the animal was tossed in the surf.
“Putting stranded animals back into the sea is not helpful. Dolphins and porpoises are not fish, they can stay on land for some time if they are made comfortable.”
The carcase was collected by Natural Resources Wales and is being held in cold storage pending collection by Wales-based Marine Environmental Monitoring (MEM). Port-mortem analysis helps shed light on the state of Britain’s seas.
Gem thanked Llandudno for its support during the rescue operation. “Everyone was fantastic,” she said. “We were offered teas and coffees throughout the day and everyone was very helpful and respectful.
“We asked people not to post photos and videos on social media as we wanted to protect the dolphin’s dignity until she drew her final breath. Other than one TikTok video, this request was observed, so I’d like to thank Llandudno’s residents for their support.”