28th
September
First
grey seal pup of the season for Cornish Medics.
28th September.
This morning,
the National Seal Sanctuary contacted us regarding a whitecoat pup
that was lying on a nearby public beach on its own and with 
no
sign of any other seals around.
Myself, and
Medics Phil Jarvis and Lesley Jarvis went to the site, informing
West Cornwall Coordinators Dave Jarvis and Tim Bain just before
leaving. Dave also contacted Medic Caroline Curtis. Phil, Lesley
and I arrived and quickly located the seal lying in the middle of
the beach not far from the high tide mark. The people who had reported
it were still with it to make sure dogs etc stayed away until we
arrived.
[
Pic by Dan Jarvis. More and larger images on Image Library. Click
'Photos' above ]
The assessment found that it was moulting,
having lost most of its white coat and leaving only a thin layer.
It appeared to be slightly underweight as well, which is to be expected
with a pup that has recently been weaned and learning to fend for
itself.
Tamara Cooper and Jo Hurley from the
Sanctuary arrived at the same time as Dave, Tim and Caroline. Jo
jumped the pup while Tamara took its temperature and gave it a more
thorough assessment. The pup's temperature was slightly elevated,
and it was also found to have a swollen left foreflipper, possibly
due to a broken or fractured bone.
The pup was then loaded into a cage
it was taken back to the Sanctuary.
Medic
Dan Jarvis
British Divers Marine Life Rescue
West Cornwall
Seal
Pup rescued at Holland-On-Sea, Essex
28th September
Yet another
seal. I was called by RSPCA to a seal at Holland On Sea reported
to them by the police via a member of the public.
On locating it all seemed well it was a good size and looked as
if it was just having a kip (normal banana type apperance) but I
was informed by a chap that it had a large cut on its belly.Thus
I went to investigate closer and found that it was bleeding from
its umbilicus, so i caught it which it was not overly happy about
(damn thing tried to bite me) after five mins of talking to it nicely!!
It calmed down enough for me to carry
it to my truck, weighed around 25 kilos when I picked it up, much
more by the time I got to the truck though.(how do they do that?).
It refused to stay in my box (no lid must get something better)
but seemed quite happy nestled in the back of my truck. Then on
the phone half a dozen calls later and arrangements for a relay
to East Winch (RSPCA) was in place. Me to Colchester (and Andy Rutson-Edwards
picked him up on the way) then Jim Farr (RSPCA) to Thetford and
an ACO the rest of the way. Met Jim at Colchester and we had the
job of getting a very upset seal away from its new toys and into
a Vari kennel this was acomplished with no harm to the seal or us
but I am now 1 towel short (big holes in it). Little love should
just about be at Thetford now.
Leon
Woodrow - BDMLR Medic
Pics by Andy
Rutson-Edwards - click images for larger size
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Sowerbys
Beaked Whales - Wales
Some
late news, we had what we think was a Sowerby’s whale at Llangrannog
near Newquay in Wales. Phil Lewis ( West Wales Coordinator + RSPCA
Inspector ) called me at 14.30 yesterday (27th) to advise me that
he had received a call from the RSPCA via Coastguard who had been
contacted by two walkers that had seen what they thought was a Bottlenose
dolphin. When RSPCA, BDMLR medics and the Coastguards arrived they
found that it wasn’t a dolphin but a whale. It had a small
amount of blood on its beak but apart from that its body condition
was good. The rescuers put the whale on a stretcher and kept it
steady on the surf until the tide came in; Phil called me again
to let me know that she had been safely return to the sea. It’s
so nice to hear the rescue had a happy ending, well done to all
the rescuers.
Phil Lewis called me again this afternoon
to say that another Sowerby’s Beaked Whale has been found
on the beach at Fishguard. Unfortunately, it was dead, it has been
checked and it is not the same one that stranded yesterday this
one is larger and is of the opposite sex. It is believed that it
has been dead for a couple of days. There will be a post mortem
done tomorrow.
Regards
Sue
White - BDMLR HQ
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Pics
of live stranding (27th), by Richard Abbott/RSPCA
- click pics for larger size |
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25th
September
Jersey
Mass Stranding Exercise
25th September
Mark Stevens
(BDMLR Director) has sent me these pics from his phone on the beach
at Jersey.
Tony.
Pics
by Mark Stevens ( via phonecam ) - click pics for larger size |
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BDMLR
Jersey Group Mass Stranding Exercise 25/09/04
by
Giselle Gosselin
Although the entire team of medics in
Jersey (and few from the UK) knew that the MSE was imminent on this
beautiful day in September, the time, location and any details of
the situation were kept “top secret squirrel” from us,
in order that it be as true to a live situation as possible!
In this case we were given a date, in
order to prepare and read up on our extensive BDMLR notes and handbooks.
However, although those notes did not assist in calming our nerves,
it was good to see Mark, Geoff and Faye lurking amongst the rocks,
even though their assistance with our project was illegal!
The JSPCA had received a phone call
from a “member of the public” (we later discovered it
was Faye who had sent the entire team of medics into a huge frenzy!)
who had been walking her dog on Green Island beach. She advised
that there were a number of whales stranded on the sand and by the
rocks. At this time the tide was far out, and it would be a few
hours until refloatation would be possible.
Considering the fact that we all knew
that the BDMLR instructors were to be totally non-involved, the
first attendees to the beach began assessing the entire situation.
Initially three adult whales and one young whale were attended to,
these were stranded together and were close to each other. As medic
numbers increased, we were able to spare bodies to complete a surrounding
landscape search.
A second young whale was discovered,
stuck on rocks nearby, but out sight from the main area of the stranding.
After immediate assessment, and now
a huge concern, a group of medics transported the young mammal close
to the pod in order for it to be stabilised and a complete physical
assessment to be performed.
All medics were involved with at least
one of the mammals and covering them in old duvet covers and sheets,
and continually keeping them cool and moist with sea water (things
were going well!)
Jez Payne, our Crowd Controller, Authority
Informant and Journalistic Updater was very professional in his
Beach Master role and allowed the rest of the medics to concentrate
on the stranded mammal care, without unnecessary interruptions.
Unfortunately, after thorough examinations,
it was clear the “Rocky”, the last young whale to be
found, and “Sad” one of the stranded adult whales, had
to be euthanased for different reasons. Although this enabled us
to practice the real procedures of euthanasia and the precautions
and resulting necessary actions, it provided us with the invaluable
experience. The team members involved couldn’t help but feel
a real disappointment when this happened, I think attachment to
our whale friends who participated in our first MSE was inevitable!
Once all the whales were stable and as comfortable as possible,
rotated coffee breaks were taken, with medics left to monitor their
vital signs and respiratory and heart rates.
The tide was coming in rapidly as it
does in that area of the island, and before we knew it, it was time
to begin the long task of rocking the whales in their pontoons,
in order to kick start their circulation and to rouse them into
wanting to swim again!
Thank you to the Jersey Fire Service
Offshore Rescue team, who assisted with the refloating of “Bertie”
the adult whale stranded closest to the shoreline.
The BDMLR instructors
were sailed to Jersey from the South of England with all their equipment
and deflated bodies, courtesy of Condor
Ferries Limited. We would like to thank the organisation for
this donation. Also thank you to the Samares Coast Hotels, St Clement,
Jersey, for a stress free environment for our instructors and their
family members to stay in during their hard working weekend!
Many many thank
you’s are due!
Julie – for painstakingly organising things so well!
Hugh Forshaw – Chairperson of the BDMLR Jersey Group
All BDMLR medics in attendance that day.
The kind lady, who lived near Green Island and provided hot teas
and coffees to the grafters in the very early hours of that Saturday
morning.
And, of course, Mark, Geoff and Faye!
Giselle
Gosselin - Medic
Porpoise
rescued - Guernsey
24th
September
A
porpoise has been successfully rescued from a beach in Guernsey.
A bather spotted the animal floundering on Perelle beach on the
island's west coast on Thursday evening.
The
rescue operation was co-ordinated by the GSPCA, and was helped by
the inshore rescue boat and some members of the public.
Full
BBC report HERE
Seals
Shot in Orkney
23rd september
Orkney police
have launched an investigation into the slaughter of 12 adult grey
seals at Burwick Bay, South 
Ronaldsay,
Orkney. The dead seals were discovered by Ross Flett of Orkney Seal
Rescue on Friday afternoon who was alerted by locals who were concerned
after hearing extensive rifle fire at the south end of the island.
All seals have been shot through the head with a high powered rifle.
Ten of the seals were pregnant with pups that were due to be born
throughout the month of October. This is the fourth time over ten
years that I have witnessed the slaughter of seals in this area.
[ click image for larger pic ]
Laws protecting
seal are ineffective and open to abuse by unscrupulous gunmen. There
has only been one conviction under the 1970 Conservation of Seals
Act It has proved itself to be ineffective and full of loopholes.
Greater protection
is needed because Britain is home to half the world's population
of grey seals and 40% of common seals.
Sorry for the sad news
Ross
Flett - Director of Orkney Seal Rescue
BBC News item
- click HERE
Dead
Whale at St Brides Wentlooge, Nr Cardiff ( initial live stranding
)
23rd September
I had a call
from WDCS at 11.35am with a report of a 40ft whale at St Brides
Wentlooge, not sure if it was dead or alive. It was we think seen
earlier this morning by the West Usk lighthouse who called Gill
Lloyd at the Harbour Commission and they called WDCS, so we are
not sure of the time it was first spotted. I called Phil Lewis (West
Wales coordinator) who was approx 1.5hrs away and also called Helen
Hedworth who was on her way when we received another call from WDCS
saying that it was a Sperm Whale and it was dead. Phil’s colleague
Nick De Celis went to check and has also taken some pictures (not
sure if they are digital). He confirmed it was a Minke Whale and
thinks that it had not long been dead, and probably been alive this
morning.
Sue
White
BDMLR HQ
Update : BBC
News report - click HERE
..... suggests the animal was a Fin whale
Update from Helen
Hedworth/BDMLR
My first Non-Rescue. What a shame. I
went to see the whale after I'd heard it was too late for a rescue
mission and was there for a few hours. Chatting to Nick and Nicola
of the RSPCA, it seems the eye had closed at around 11am and the
blowhole had ceased to move a little after that. I arrived around
12:30pm. I'm not sure exactly who did pronounce it 'dead', as we
heard via telephone, and no-one else there seemed to know either.
I just wonder what could have happened had the BDMLR got a call
when it was first sighted...
I ended up
being interviewed by three different sets of media - The S Wales
Argus, The Western Mail and ITV Wales(!!). I think it was also quite
informative for those I spoke to. The two RSPCA officers are raring
to do a MMM course, and I have their numbers for when we get one
booked here in Cardiff. I've also got a few people to call to leave
the rescue number with. And if people see BDMLR in the paper, they
might look us up. So, next time, we should be hearing sooner!
As to species:
Having subsequently checked my ID book and the photos, I would say
that it was correctly reported as a Fin Whale (not Minke, and certainly
not Sperm). The news said forty-foot and the paper said sixty-foot.
I think 40-50' would be right. But considering the size that adults
can grow to, it must really have been a juvenile, right? I didn't
see the left side of the animal, as we were kept back by the coastguard
due to the tide, but I now understand your description of the asymmetrical
jaw markings, Alan. In the photos you can clearly see the black
and white sections of baleen from the right.
But anyway,
it was certainly an incredible experience for me, and I'm so glad
that I have had the opportunity to, at least, help with a bit of
publicity for the cause. Next time I'll be ready for rescue!!
Here are some
photographs I took at the scene.
Helen
Hedworth - BDMLR Medic
Whale,
large turtle rescued - Cape Cod, U.S.
14th September
The Center
for Coastal Studies has been busy lately, rescuing an entangled
humpback whale Sunday off Nantucket and freeing an entangled leatherback
turtle yesterday off Sandwich.
The back-to-back rescues come about two weeks after a center rescue
team freed another large humpback off Wellfleet's Atlantic coast.
On Sunday,
center officials identified the humpback as Andreas, one of many
large whales already catalogued by the Provincetown-based marine
research and whale-rescue organization's humpback research program.
The severely
entangled animal, anchored to the ocean floor by lobster gear, was
first sighted around 1 p.m. Sunday about 35 miles east of Nantucket.
Full media
report click HERE
Report from
Center for Coastal Studies including images click HERE
Kaua'i's newborn monk seals transferred to remote beach
- Hawaii
23rd September
Two Hawaiian monk seals born on south
Kaua'i beaches this year have been weaned by their mothers and moved
by wildlife officials to an isolated beach elsewhere on the island.
The site is "close to where we've
taken three pups in the past, and we've had good success with the
animals we've taken there," said Brad Ryon, protected resources
program liaison with NOAA Fisheries. "There's other seals in
the area, and not that many people.
Full report
click HERE
Dolphin
duo dies; two saved - Tasmania
13th September
TWO common dolphins died and two were
rescued after a stranding near Orford on Tasmania's East Coast yesterday.
The four dolphins beached on Rheban
Beach in Carrickfergus Bay, about 14km south of Orford, at midday.
The two dolphins saved by the efforts
of four people in the area joined another two dolphins nearby and
were last seen swimming offshore.
Full report
click HERE
Navy
heroes save trapped whale - South Africa
15th September
In a daring rescue the navy has saved
a juvenile whale ensnared in crayfish nets and ropes near Cape Point.
The southern right whale, which was
spotted almost four nautical miles south-east of Cape Point, was
discovered entangled in a mass of crayfish buoy-marker ropes.
The whale was spotted shortly after
1pm on Monday by a lookout on a navy vessel during an annual fleet
combat preparedness exercise called Red Lion, said Rear Admiral
Arne Soderlund.
Full report
click HERE
Effort to save
whale fails - New York
12th September
A sick 966-pound whale that beached
itself yesterday in the village of East Hampton had to be euthanized,
after a morning-long attempt to save her by dozens of rescuers.
The underweight
pilot whale was moved to a foam bed on a truck, but a special water
tank needed to treat her could not be found, said Kim Durham, director
of the Riverhead Foundation's rescue program.
Full report
click HERE
Area Coordinators
Meeting
18th September
Seventeen BDMLR Coordinators joined
the five BDMLR Directors at BDMLR HQ, Sussex, last Saturday for
the coordinators annual meeting. We were also joined by both Sue
White (BDMLR) and Sue Ovens (IAR) who run the admin side of things
in the BDMLR/IAR office.
The agenda included a further update
from Director & Vet James Barnett on the satellite tagging project,
a discussion concerning how to encourage Medics in our respective
areas to keep in touch and continue to be motivated, a presentation
of images and video clips of Essex Coordinator, Faye Archell, trip
to the Mote Marine Laboratory in the U.S., an update on the BDMLR
website from myself and a discussion about how the site can serve
us all in the future, an overview of the current coordinator network
by BDMLR Director Alan Knight and an overview of rescue equipment
currently available from Director, Mark Stevens.
Minutes of the meeting will go out to all those present.
It was great to see so many there, put
faces to names, and to chat about all things concerning BDMLR.
The day was finished off with a meal
for all of us to chat further at a local eatery.
If you are a medic, please support your
local coordinator as we are all volunteers like yourself. Find contact
details of your local coordinator via the Area Coordinators page
on the website.
Cheers,
Tony
Woodley
BDMLR OnLine
Exmouth Group Rescue/Training Co-ordinator
Plymouth
BDMLR Coordinator to 'step down'
17th September
Dear all,
Some of you
will have heard of my intention to step down as co-ordinator for
Plymouth (Devon). It is a step I don’t take lightly.
It’s
been fun playing that part for the past five years, and I’ve
had the pleasure of meeting, and working with, a good many people,
many of whom have become good friends.
I want to thank
all those people for putting up with my little foibles and big bloomers
all this time.
Now it’s
time to pass the torch to someone younger, more brainy, better organised,
and better looking. Lissa Goodwin has kindly agreed to begin taking
over the task in November.
I am sure you
will give her the same support as I have always enjoyed.
I’m not
leaving BDMLR.
Sometime, somewhere,
you’ll see me taking part in a rescue. On a course somewhere
in the near future keep your eye open for the instructor who appears
to be frantically looking for a bung…….that’ll
be me.
Arie
den Hollander
Plymouth BDMLR Coordinator
Seal Rescue - Essex
17th September
I was called
out again this morning by RSPCA to a seal at Walton-on-the-Naze.
When I arrived Jim Farr (RSPCA Inspector) and my mate Tony Haggis
were on scene and had caught the seal (Common, female).It was obviously
underweight and was bleeding from rear flippers and lesions on the
lower body on closer inspection the umbilicus was a small hole about
4mm across this was also bleeding but there was no thickening. I
took temperature 38.8 bit warm so doused in water we then transported
it home(had a cup of tea) prepared a rehydration mix and tubed it.
Little love is now at East Winch ( RSPCA Wildlife Hospital ) via
RSPCA relay.
Leon
Woodrow
BDMLR Medic
13th
September
Pilot
whales strands - Ullapool, Scotland
Monday
13th September
BDMLR
Head Office were notified of a stranded pilot whale at Gruinard
Beach, Ault Bay, Ullapool by a local SSPCA Inspector.BDMLR Director
Mark Stevens contacted the "Oxens" in that area and local
coordinator who were unavailable. He then called Gareth Norman -
Tayforth coordinator.
19.30 hrs Tayforth Coordinator Gareth Norman established contact
with the local SSPCA Inspector to see if the stranding was a viable
option. It was confirmed to Gareth that the whale was alive and
looked healthy.
21.00 hrs Gareth called Montrose coordinator Elaine Roft and Aberdeen
coordinator Nick Duthie asking if they were free to respond to the
call and were asked to standby untill further notice. Nick Duthie
contacted the CRRU and passed on the strandings details. Bob Reid
from the Scottish Agricultural College in Inverness was notified
and confirmed that he would be interested in performing a necropsy
if the whale was dead.
22.00 hrs. Gareth confirms to Elaine and Nick that it is "all
systems go" and provision is made for pontoons to be uplifted
from Dundee, air to be supplied by the CRRU team and John O Groats
coordiantor Ali Jack was happy to respond with any additional equipment
if necessary.
22.45 hrs Gareth picked Elaine up from Brechin
23.20 hrs Gareth and Elaine picked Nick Duthie up from Aberdeen
and the CRRU team leave Gardenstown. Fraserburgh coordinator Kenneth
McLennan is notified by txt message sent by Nick Duthie.
Tuesday 14th September
03.00 hrs Gareth, Elaine and Nick arrive on scene where they are
met by the CRRU team who arrived approx an hour earlier. The CRRU
team had swept the South of the beach and hadn't found the stranded
whale. All medics then took torches and swept the beach to the North
which in the dark with little lighting was proving fruitless. On
their way back to the beach boardwalk, the whale was eventually
spotted on the High tide mark by Gareth, but sadly by the time it
was found it had died
CRRU vet Cameron McPherson and veterinary
nurse Caroline Passingham forwarded the following report to Elaine
Roft / Nick Duthie /
The male pilot whale measured two and a half to 3 metres in length.
Body condition was good. Skin surface was good with stranding induced
lacerations / abrasions showing, especially on the rostrum, dorsal
fin and near to the blowhole. The teeth were rounded and worn especially
on the upper jaw. The penis was petruding. There was some evidence
of agonal tail movement. Hydration of the eyes determined that the
whale had been dead for approx 2-4 hours. There was a notable abcess
/ erosion on the rostral part of the upper beak, which may have
been a chronic lesion but the possibility exists that it was caused
by recent trauma.
Nick Duthie sent a txt message to Bob
Reid at SAC confirming that the whale had died.
The whale was covered in seaweed and
the eye covered to prevent scavenger damage, and cordoned off with
tape until SAC arrive to perform necropsy.
04.43 hrs All the rescue teams departed
from the Scene
Thanks to BDMLR Head Office, BDMLR Co-ordinators
Gareth Norman, Elaine Roft, Nick Duthie, Ali Jack, Medic Bob Pert
who was on standby to assist on tuesday.
CRRU Team Cameron McPherson (vet), Caroline
Passingham (veterinary nurse), Mike Tetley, Ross Culloch.
Local Police Inspector who supplied
the grid reference which was "spot on", and to Local SSPCA
Inspector.
In all this
was a round trip of 510 miles from Dundee and back, the distance
driven by Gareth Norman, with Elaine and Nick as passengers.
Elaine
Roft
British Divers Marine Life Rescue
Montrose Area Co-ordinator (Inverbervie-Easthaven)
Pics
by Thao Nguyen ( 14/09/04 ) |
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Wednesday
15th September
Bob Reid confirmed to Elaine that a full post mortem is to be carried
out on the beach and findings will be submitted to BDMLR vet &
Director James Barnett and also to CRRU vet Cameron McPherson. The
carcass will then be buried on site.
Wednesday
15th September 20.00 hrs approx
Bob Reid from SAC called Elaine and
gave a brief run down on the pilot whale necropsy performed that
afternoon. The male pilot whale was "aged" and upon further
inspection was noted as being in poor body condition. The stomach
was empty with the whale not having eaten for approx 4-5 days. Further
samples were taken on scene from the whale for analysis and will
be included in the full post mortem findings in due course.
12th
September
Busy
day for Medics across England
12-09-04
Large
'whale' - River Trent
BDMLR
received a report from a local resident* that there was a large
'whale' on a sandbank at the mouth of the River Trent in the Humber.
Lincolnshire Coordinator James Brett travelled up with a set of
pontoons to meet with Sue Rhoades (North East coordinator) and the
Humber
Rescue Boat. However, by the time they reached the scene the
tide was incoming and there was no trace of the animal as the sandbanks
were flooded. Bearing in mind that this is approx 25 miles from
the sea, if this was a Minke, Pilot or Fin whale it may well restrand.(*
- non other than UK Environment Minister Elliot Morley MP)
Seal
pup search - Padstow, Cornwall
When
lifeguards reported a seal pup in trouble in the Padstow area, local
Medic Donna Caswell was asked to take a look. She was later joined
by West Cornwall Coordinators Tim Bain and Dave Jarvis and Dave's
wife, Lesley. However, despite a search until dark ... no trace
of the seal could be found.
Seal
pup rescued from Hove, East Sussex
BDMLR
Director Alan Knight responded to a call concerning a sick pup at
Hove. He found a 3ft Common seal pup (weaned) with bleeding from
wounds around its neck. These may have been dog/seal bite wounds.
Alan Gave the seal oral fluids via a stomach tube and it was transported
to the RSPCA Wildlife centre at Mallydams Wood near Hastings.
Pics by Alan
Knight. Click images for larger size. |
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Common
dolphins live-strand in Inchydoney, Rep of Ireland
8th
September
Full
report HERE
3rd
September
RSPCA
Commendations for volunteers involved with UK porpoise stranding
It
is nice to be recognised for the voluntary work we do see below
In case you are interested, myself (Andy Rutson-Edwards) and Leon
Woodrow collected individual commendations, and on behalf of *BDMLR,
the local **coastguards, and Tony Haggis of Wildlife trips in Walton,
Essex from the RSPCA local Inspector Jim Farr in recognition for
the help given in the successful rescue of the beached porpoise
in Walton on 7th June 2004. (Click HERE
for rescue report and photos)
Commendations were awarded to:
*Leon woodrow and Andy Rutson-Edwards BDLMR (Leon is also a volunteer
coastguard) and other BDLMR members Faye Archell, Bob Archell, Tony
Wooderson, Melinda Lewis (vet)
**Coastguards:- Neil Saban, Neil Marples, Ian Robertson and Berni
Anderson.
A special thanks to Jim Farr who goes unrecognised most of the time
as people perceive it as part of his job but, was also involved
in the rescue spending a vast amount of time in the water along
with the rest of the rescue team.
Andy
Rutson-Edwards - BDMLR Medic
From left : RSPCA Inspector
Jim Farr, Andy Rutson-Edwards and Leon Woodrow
-Click on pic
for larger image-
2nd
september
Mass
stranding of common dolphins in St Ives Bay, Cornwall.
1st September.
At 9:45am,
a lone common dolphin was spotted swimming in circles in South Quay
in Hayle Harbour, and appeared to be unable to find its way
out. At 10:30am, the dolphin was reported to BDMLR Medics. First
to arrive were Medic Lesley Jarvis and myself, who met the caller,
Jane Hayden, at the quayside. She had reported the dolphin to BDMLR,
and had also previously reported the live stranding of a harbour
porpoise in Hayle harbour in May 2004. She had been observing the
6ft long animal, and noticed its breathing rate and demeanour to
be calm, and it had not bumped into the sides of the quay either.
A shoal of mullet was also in the vicinity, but the dolphin paid
no attention to them, instead showing some interest in floating
seaweed. On the first count, the animal was taking 6 breaths per
minute (bpm) – indicating a minor degree of distress. No recent
injuries other than prominent rake marks were visible. With the
tide receding, it was feared that the dolphin would become stranded
on the rocky bottom.
West Cornwall Coordinators
Dave Jarvis and Tim Bain, who were both en route, were called and
informed of the animal’s condition, behaviour and a description
of the area. Chief Inspector Les Sutton of the RSPCA, and BDMLR
consultant veterinarian Paul Riley had also been called about the
incident and were now travelling to the site. Medic Caroline Curtis
was called out, and also some of the newly trained BDMLR Medics
from the Animal Care Team at the National Seal Sanctuary.
Once Dave, Tim, Les, Paul,
Caroline and Tamara Cooper, Jo Hurley, Fleur Bennett and Gemma Goodman
had arrived, a plan was put together to try and herd the animal
out of the quay and into the main estuary channel in the hope that
the flow of water would encourage the dolphin to go back out to
sea. As the water was too shallow for larger boats to safely traverse
the gully, the local beach lifeguards and kayak club were contacted
for use of their rescue equipment. Using a dinghy supplied by Alan,
a friend of Jane Hayden’s, Tim and I attempted to slowly herd
he animal out of the gully, keeping in contact with the rest of
the team by use of two way radio. Eventually we prevailed, and the
dolphin gradually headed off into the main channel and into the
outfall from Carnsew Pool.
Unfortunately, a sandbank in
the main channel disoriented the dolphin, and it beached in shallow
water on the small island in the middle of the estuary, known as
Cockle Bank. Tim and I met Caroline at the edge of the estuary,
and together made our way to the island with the dinghy. During
this time, Dave, Les, Paul and Tim began to plan a new approach
over the radio, while Caroline and I kept watch on the dolphin and
timing its breathing rate – which was only slightly elevated
to around 7bpm. Shortly afterward, Richard Daniels of Hayle Kayak
Club arrived, and so did Penwith Council Beach Manager Phil Drew
and one of his lifeguards with two rescue surfboards, and also Matt
Trewhella of the nearby Gulf Stream Scuba. Due to the undulating
stratum underfoot (6” – 3’), an improvised flotation
system was devised by way of a tarpaulin slung between the two surfboards
would do a good enough job. While a tarpaulin was collected, the
remaining Medics on the bank of the estuary made their way over
to the island – Tamara, Paul, Jo, Fleur and Gemma and also
Matt, later followed by Dave with the tarpaulin.
The dolphin was gently manoeuvred
on to the tarpaulin, and the surfboards put in place on either side.
Richard, having good knowledge of the estuary channel, acted as
a safety guide and kept us up to date on where the channel was best
to walk the dolphin up. Slowly, we progressed up the entire length
of the estuary, until the final bend before reaching the sea, which
was approximately a mile from the area of the initial stranding.
For health and safety reasons, it was decided that the dolphin would
need to be taken directly across the beach to the sea, rather than
attempt a refloat in the middle of the estuary mouth. We removed
the surfboards and supported the dolphin in the water for a moment
using only the tarpaulin. Seeing the entourage coming up the estuary,
dozens of nearby holidaymakers were attracted to the unfolding spectacle,
and had to be warned to keep a respectable distance. Deciding to
make use of them, we planned to carry the dolphin across the 300
metre stretch of beach to the sea by continuously swapping the carriers
to keep the dolphin out of the water for as short a time as possible,
while the children would be dispatched to collect water in their
buckets to keep the dolphin wet during the marathon.
Initially, the dolphin became
quite stressed, and Fleur, who constantly monitored the breathing
rate of the animal until we reached the sea, reported up to 15bpm.
However, it quickly became acclimatised to its new surroundings
and its breathing rate decreased to an average of 11bpm. Upon reaching
the sea, the original team resumed support of the dolphin in the
water while Paul gave it injections of anti-inflammatories and antibiotics.
During this time, Les Sutton had arrived on the beach and helped
control the sizeable crowd that had gathered. We held the dolphin
for a few more minutes while it became more relaxed, and seeing
the open sea, determined to be released and associated increasing
breathing rate. Complying with this, we let the dolphin go and formed
a chain between it and the shore while it swam quickly out into
the bay before we lost sight of it.
After the rescue, two fishermen
digging for bait in the estuary verbally abused Coordinator Tim
Bain, telling him that we had wasted our time and that they would
happily have killed it, and then proceeded to throw a bucket of
water at Medic Jo Hurley.
On a sad note, during the early
stages of the rescue, we were informed that a second common dolphin
had been found dead on Porthkidney beach, next to the estuary. Later
examination found it to be an adult female with some fresh injuries
on its underside and beak, and sand compacted in its mouth. The
left eye had been scavenged along with the trailing edges of all
fins. The carcass was taken for Post Mortem at VLA Polwhele.
Thanks to the following people
for their part in the rescue:
BDMLR: Veterinarian Paul Riley, West Cornwall Coordinators Dave
Jarvis and Tim Bain. Medics Lesley Jarvis, Caroline Curtis and newly
trained Medics from the National Seal Sanctuary Tamara Cooper, Jo
Hurley, Fleur Bennett and Gemma Goodman.
RSPCA: Chief Inspector Les Sutton
Public: Matt Trewhella from Gulf Stream Scuba, Richard Daniels from
Hayle Kayak Club, Penwith District Council Beach Manager Phil Drew
and the lifeguard that accompanied him, Jane Hayden and Alan for
reporting the incident to BDMLR and use of the dinghy, and also
the holidaymakers at Hayle beach that helped carry the dolphin on
the final leg of it journey across the beach to be released back
into the open sea.
Postscript: It has since come
to our attention that on the evening of Tuesday 31st August, three
dolphins, species not known, were swimming just outside St Ives
harbour. Three boats were launched within the harbour, and pursued
the dolphins towards Carbis Bay beach, where they gave up the chase
and returned to the harbour – but one boat remained in the
harbour mouth watching them.
We have also heard a report,
which we are still following up, that a ‘baby dolphin’
had been found stranded live further up Hayle beach, and had been
refloated by as of yet unknown persons.
One dolphin, probably the one
we rescued, had been seen later on Tuesday evening swimming around
Hayle estuary mouth, while another dolphin was seen, apparently
dead on Porthkidney beach.
Dolphin harassment such as
the incident described above is a criminal offence. Devon &
Cornwall Constabulary, RSPCA and Cornwall Wildlife Trust are all
taking an active interest of this very serious occurrence, which
was directly responsible for the strandings and subsequent death
of one animal.
Medic
Dan Jarvis
British Divers Marine Life Rescue
West Cornwall
Map of location - click
for larger image
The dolphin stranded on a sandbank
in the middle of the estuary after being herded out of a
shallow rocky gully into the main channel.
|
The dolphin about to be lifted
on to a makeshift sling made out of a tarpaulin slung between
two surfboards. This sling was then pushed to the mouth
of the estuary, where the dolphin was released.
|
The dolphin being transported by foot up
the entire length of the estuary (over a mile!).
|
Common
Seal Rescue Attempt – Dover Hoverport
31 August 2004
Jo Malpass
received a call from Alan Knight at approximately 8.45am reporting
a seal at Dover Hoverport which had been seen by dock staff with
fishing hooks and line around it’s mouth.
The seal had
apparently been visiting the derelict landing pad of the hovercraft
at the same time in the morning for the last few days and looked
to be enjoying the early sun. As it is fairly unusual for seals
to be in Dover’s busy shipping port the staff were surprised
to see it returning each day and decided to take a closer look.
When approached the animal appeared lethargic and “feathers”
were visible around it’s mouth. The RSPCA had been called
on a previously day and an attempt to capture the seal had failed.
Jo arrived
at the scene at approx 9.30am and unfortunately there was no sign
of the seal. After discussion with the local vet and HQ a rescue
plan was arranged for the following morning.
1 September
2004
Jo & Tim
Malpass arrived at the Hoverport this morning at 7am. There were
two vets there but no seal! Dam we could have had another 1/2hr
in bed! Jason Carter, area co-ordinater arrived soon after and we
waited to see whether Dover’s new visitor would be back for
a sunbathe. At approx 8am the seal appeared. It swam around for
a while before hauling itself up onto the concrete. It was very
close to the water and a rescue attempt looked difficult particularly
as the ground below was covered in seaweed and was very slippery.
We waited to see whether the seal would come more inland but it
was quite alert and kept very close to the water’s edge. The
vets returned to the surgery around 9am.
The seal seemed
to settle down for a sleep so we decided to approach it cautiously
to get a closer look and see whether any injuries or fishing line
were visible, we managed to get within a few feet. An abrasion on
the tail was visible, but no fishing line or hooks could be seen
from the right side. It was still too close to the sea to attempt
a rescue using the “towel and grab method”, so we called
the vet to see whether they could bring down the neck loop. When
Jeremy Stattersfield arrived he seemed concerned at the animals
weight and suggested that some of us approach the it from the other
side to distract it so that he could try to get the loop around
it’s neck. Unfortunately the seal did not like the activity
and decided to return to the water.
We left at
approx 10am with the seal swimming around the area. We are on standby
for further news from the hoverport if it comes back onto the landing
platform and on photos sent to HQ as to whether we should try to
continue the rescue or whether infact the visitor had just found
a nice sunbathing spot!
Jo
Malpass - MMM
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