Stranded dolphin is put down - Pictures
A STRANDED dolphin had to be put down despite frantic rescue efforts after it was found lying on rocks at a borough beach.
The Tynemouth Volunteer life Brigade was called shortly before 2pm on Wednesday after a brigade member's sister spotted the Atlantic white beaked dolphin acting strangely at the north end of Tynemouth Long Sands.
The large sea mammal was seen trying to beach itself on the rocks 50 metres offshore and the coastguard was informed.
Another member of the brigade who is the co-ordinator for the British divers mammal rescue team was contacted, and along with an environmental officer and with help from staff from Blue Reef Aquarium, four people entered the water in dry suits to try and help the dolphin.
However, after consultation with a vet it was agreed that the dolphin was in a very poor state and the kindest thing to do was put it to sleep.
The 2.7 metre dolphin was then brought ashore to be taken to the Natural History Museum in London to establish a cause of death.
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Weather for Whitley Bay
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: East
