Two dolphins saved in rescue mission in Cumbria
Medics and coastguard teams rushed to the scene near Maryport
Two dolphins have been rescued after a mass stranding on the Cumbrian coast.
Medics and coastguard teams rushed to the scene near Maryport on Monday (22 September), where four common dolphins had washed up.
Sadly, two did not survive, but the rescued dolphins were given emergency help and one is being examined to find out more about what happened.
"invaluable support"
In a statement, the British Divers Marine Life Rescue said: "The surviving adult, found stranded beside the deceased calf, was in good condition, while the juvenile had sustained superficial injuries thought to be caused by scavengers.
"With safety cover provided by the Maryport Coastguard team, Medics worked to stabilise the two live dolphins monitoring their condition, keeping them upright and their skin hydrated. Although high tide had been forecast for 1am, the flat beach saw water rising earlier and more rapidly than predicted.
"For safety reasons, the team withdrew from the shoreline as the tide advanced.
"From a safe distance, they observed as the dolphins refloated on the tide and disappeared into the darkness.
"At first light, a Medic revisited the site and found no further stranded dolphins.
"Cetaceans can strand for a variety of reasons. Some may be compromised by illness, disease, injury, entanglement, malnutrition, maternal separation, or age-related conditions.
"Others may be apparently healthy but strand due to navigational errors, strong social bonds, or disturbance from underwater noise.
"We would like to thank our volunteer Marine Mammal Medics, Millcroft Vets, and the Maryport Coastguard for their invaluable support during this challenging incident."