A stranded dolphin found injured on the Isle of Wight has sadly been put down. The coastguard was called to Hope Beach on Thursday afternoon after the distressed white-beaked dolphin was spotted struggling on the sand.
Horrific Injuries Ruled Out Rescue
The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) revealed the dolphin had a gruesomely broken jaw with bones sticking through its skin and missing teeth. Its injuries led to severe malnutrition, making it impossible to release back into the wild.
Complex Recovery Operation
Rescue teams from Bembridge and Ventnor Coastguard, along with the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, worked through the night to remove the animal. They used an aerial ladder platform – usually reserved for high-rise rescues and road traffic collisions – to safely free the dolphin from the sand.
Road Closures and Ongoing Investigation
Police officers from Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, supported by Island Roads, shut part of Culver Parade during the delicate recovery. A local vet and BDMLR members battled to save the dolphin, but its injuries proved too severe.
A post-mortem is set to be carried out at the Oceanography Centre in southampton/" title="Southampton" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Southampton to uncover more details about the dolphin’s condition and how it became stranded.
