Holidaymakers and marine conservationists have been left horrified after shocking footage emerged of a dolphin being aggressively harassed by two swimmers in a popular Dorset bay.
The distressing video, captured in Bournemouth Bay, shows the pair repeatedly grabbing and pushing the dolphin, known locally as Reggie, beneath the water's surface in what experts have condemned as a potentially fatal act of ignorance.
A Terrifying Ordeal Captured on Camera
The incident, which unfolded in front of stunned onlookers, depicts a prolonged and deliberate attempt to interact with the wild mammal. The swimmers are seen circling the dolphin, making physical contact and forcing it underwater on multiple occasions.
This reckless behaviour not only caused significant stress to the animal but also created a highly dangerous situation for the swimmers themselves. Dolphins are powerful wild animals, and such provocation can lead to defensive, and potentially harmful, reactions.
Marine Experts Issue Stern Warning
Following the circulation of the video, marine biologists and conservation groups have issued urgent warnings to the public. Interactions of this nature are not only illegal under the UK's Wildlife and Countryside Act but are also devastatingly harmful to the well-being of the creatures.
"This is not playful behaviour; it is harassment," stated a representative from a local marine trust. "Forcing a dolphin underwater impedes its ability to breathe and can cause immense psychological distress. These are not tame animals; they are wild and must be treated with respect and distance."
The Dangers of 'Naïve Tourism'
The event has sparked a broader conversation about so-called 'naïve tourism'—where well-meaning but uninformed members of the public attempt to interact with wildlife, causing unintended harm. Experts urge anyone encountering dolphins or other marine life to adhere to the Marine Wildlife Code:
- Maintain a safe and respectful distance.
- Do not attempt to touch, feed, or swim directly towards the animals.
- Allow them to control the interaction and move away if they show signs of disturbance.
- Use binoculars for a better view instead of encroaching on their space.
Reggie, a common bottlenose dolphin, has been a seasonal visitor to the Dorset coast for several years, delighting residents and visitors with his presence. This incident serves as a stark reminder that our fascination with wildlife must be coupled with responsibility and education to ensure their protection and survival.
