Locals save pod of dolphins at Yellow Strand Maugherow
A small pod of dolphins were saved from almost certain death by locals when they became stranded at Ardtarmon/Yellow Strand last week.
The ten dolphins were first spotted frollicking in the water at 10am on Monday 24 th July. But excited locals soon realised the pod was in danger as the tide was going out. Tola Carway and her sister rushed to the scene.
“The beautiful creatures were swimming close to the shore which started to worry us because we knew the tide was going out. As I approached the dolphins I could hear their natural clicking sound.
“It seemed like they were having fun and playing in the water but we soon realised that they were getting stuck in the sand and they needed immediate help,” she said.
By the time the tide was fully out, nine dolphins were left stranded on sand.
“There were people trying to comfort them by splashing water on them, petting them and even talking to them. I did the same. Their skin felt rubbery,” said Elena Carway.
“More and more people came, one with blankets. We put them under the dolphin’s bellies and carried them by the four corners of the blanket. They were heavy! When they were submerged in water, we wriggled their bellies against the sand to circulate their blood,” she added.
All dolphins were back in the water by 1pm.
“As I guided the dolphins towards the deep depths I could sense an act of friendliness among them,” said Tola.
The team included Nicola Torpay, Paul Rippon, Tobi Luck, Tara Mooney, Ewan Rippon, Tola Carway, Elena Carway, Keelan Harte, Louise Harte, Cormac McGowan, Miriam Schiller, Phillip Brett, Clara and Brid McSharry, JP Donlon, Pia Luck and Neil (ESB).
Yellow Strand is the same beach where a large whale washed up last year.
“Maybe in years to come the youngsters will look back and realise how special it was”