The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) has thanked the members of the public who assisted them in saving 12 dolphins who became stranded on a beach west of Daingean Uí Chúis, Co Kerry on Wednesday.
The 12 common dolphins, which included parents and calves, were part of a group of 21 who came to shore.
Nine died on the beach before rescuers attended the scene.
The initial report was made to Oceanworld Aquarium Dingle.
The group’s director Kevin Flannery was the first person to respond to the alarm.
Mr Flannery put out a call to the IWDG for assistance in moving the dolphins back to sea as quickly and safely as possible.
Locals, tourists and members of An Garda Síochána were among the group to assist.
The 12 dolphins were part of a group of 21 who came to shore, with nine dying (Photo: North Kerry IWDG)
“Through the incredible teamwork of both locals and visitors to the area, 12 dolphins… were successfully refloated,” the IWDG said in a statement.
“This is no small achievement and it was all hands on deck including the local Garda who came down to help carry some of the individuals back to sea.
“We would like to extend our most heartfelt thanks to all those that dropped everything to come and help us today,” it added.
The IWDG has advised members of the public who come across a stranded dolphin to immediately contact them.
The group said that while waiting for help, the best position for a dolphin out of the water is upright as this will enable both of their lungs to function normally.
“Make sure to stand back from their blow-hole for your own safety.
“Dolphins can be out of the water for many hours once these steps are followed.
“As stressful as it is to see a dolphin in distress out of the water, never be tempted to pull them by the tail back to the sea as this can damage their spinal column,” the IWDG said.