Twelve dolphins that became stranded on a beach in Kerry have been successfully rescued, while nine others from the same pod died before help could reach them.
Stranding west of Daingean Uí Chúis
The pod of 21 dolphins became trapped on a beach west of Daingean Uí Chúis, in County Kerry, on Wednesday. A member of the public alerted Oceanworld Aquarium Dingle, which then contacted the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) to assist in returning the animals to the sea.
Gardaí, tourists and locals from the surrounding area all took part in the rescue effort.
Teamwork praised by IWDG
In a statement, the IWDG said: "Through the incredible teamwork of both locals and visitors to the area, 12 dolphins... were successfully refloated."
The group added: "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. We would like to extend our most heartfelt thanks to all those that dropped everything to come and help us today."
