A beach emergency in County Kerry became a remarkable show of teamwork when a group of stranded dolphins prompted an immediate response from people nearby.
By the time the rescue effort ended, local residents, sightseers, and Gardaí had helped return 12 dolphins to the sea, according to RTÉ — a hard-won outcome after a large stranding.
Here's what to know
Rescuers were able to refloat 12 common dolphins — including parents and calves — after 21 came ashore on a beach west of Daingean Uí Chúis in County Kerry, Ireland.
Nine others died on the beach before help reached them.
Oceanworld Aquarium Dingle received the first alert, and its director, Kevin Flannery, was first to arrive at the scene.
He then asked the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group to assist in returning the animals to the sea as quickly and safely as possible.
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More background
What quickly emerged was a broad local response.
RTÉ reported that residents, visitors to the area, and the Gardaí all helped carry and direct the dolphins back into the water.
Once dolphins are out of the water, proper handling becomes critical because their bodies are not built to support themselves on land for long.
Mass strandings are especially difficult because they involve multiple animals in distress at the same time, leaving responders little room for delay.
What can be done?
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group explained what concerned citizens should do while waiting for trained help to arrive.
It said that "the best position for a dolphin out of the water is upright as this will enable both of their lungs to function normally," RTÉ reported.
The group emphasized that anyone who encountered a stranded marine mammal should contact the organization immediately.
Another point stressed by the IWDG was not to pull a stranded dolphin by the tail.
"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 group warned.
It also noted that people helping at a stranding need to protect themselves.
"Make sure to stand back from their blowhole for your own safety," the IWDG noted. "Dolphins can be out of the water for many hours once these steps are followed."
In this case, the quick and effective efforts of a community saved over half of a stranded pod.
"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," the group said of the collaborative effort.
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