Two dolphins were found thrashing in shallow waters
One dolphin required further attention(Image: British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR))
Two dolphins were found stranded in shallow water off the coast of Mumbles, prompting an emergency response from a marine rescue team.
The dolphins were reported to the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) hotline last week after being spotted in the shallows in Mumbles, South Wales.
Footage captured the moment local Marine Mammal Medics attended the scene to find both animals stuck and thrashing in the shallow water.
According to the team, one of the dolphins managed to refloat itself and make its way towards deeper water, but the second was struggling to remain upright and was rolling in the water.
The team then secured the remaining dolphin and carefully brought her ashore, where she was identified as a young female common dolphin.
The dolphin was identified as a young female(Image: British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR))
She was found to be in good condition, with no visible injuries, and responded well to first aid provided by the medics.
Following advice from BDMLR’s Rescue Coordinators and veterinary adviser, a carefully controlled refloat was authorised.
Temporary identification markers and biodegradable tape were also placed on the dolphin to help the team identify her if she became stranded again.
BDMLR stressed that it was important that members of the public did not attempt to push or drag a stranded dolphin back into the sea. The organisation pointed out that dolphins can be exhausted, injured or unwell, and returning them to the water without an experienced assessment could put them at risk of drowning or stranding again.
In these circumstances, the team were able to stabilise the dolphin in the water, supporting her weight while she regained her balance. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here
Throughout the process she remained calm and began showing positive signs that she could hold herself upright independently.
The medics then withdrew their support and allowed her to float freely as they trialled the release.
She swam forwards, making a wide arc around the team before swimming strongly into deeper water.
It is understood that the dolphins have moved away from the area(Image: British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR))
Neither dolphin has been seen since, prompting the organisation to believe that both have moved away from the area.
BDMLR further thanked members of the public who reported the dolphins and its South Wales team for their work during the rescue.
The organisation said public support helps fund specialist equipment and enables its medics to respond to marine mammals in need.
Anyone who finds a dolphin, whale or porpoise ashore or struggling in shallow water is urged not to attempt to return the animal to the sea.
Instead, members of the public should call the BDMLR 24/7 Rescue Hotline on 01825 765546 for advice.