Stranded dolphin rescued off Mayo coast

COMMUNITY NOTES: ERRIS - WESTERN PEOPLE (AUGUST 19 EDITION)

Recently, another common dolphin was spotted in trouble, this time at Tarmon Beach – one of Blacksod Bay’s live stranding hotspots. Common dolphins are a pelagic species, more accustomed to offshore deep water than the flat tidal beaches that dry out in the area.

A keen-eyed and caring young local girl, who spotted the dolphin from her window and raised the alarm – the second time she’s done so for a dolphin in trouble. With the tide still dropping, responders trailered it to Blacksod for release and herding into deeper water rather than waiting hours for the tide to return. 

Not every dolphin will survive a live stranding, but some do, and the faster people respond, the better their chances. This was the 19th live-stranded dolphin in the bay so far this year.