Successful refloating of two dolphins stranded on sandbar in Sheephaven Bay
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group has thanked and praised everyone involved in this successful outcome
Two common dolphins which live-stranded on a sandbar in Sheephaven Bay were safely cared for and relocated to open water.
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) has thanked everyone involved for their role in this successful outcome.
A spokesperson said: “On Thursday, August 17 word came in from Donegal of two common dolphins who were live-stranded well inside Sheephaven Bay.
The pair were inside a sandbar in a tidal area. Thanks to the quick actions of Michael Stack, who discovered the dolphin pair and called the IWDG live stranding hotline at for advice, the dolphins were kept cool, protected from the sun, and the area kept quiet and calm while help was gathered.”
Under expert guidance, the dolphins were carefully relocated past the sandbar to the open water of Sheephaven Bay.
The spokesperson added: “They did make a brief appearance together in the shallows of Downings Pier but thankfully left the area again, and no further sightings or strandings were reported.
“Huge thanks to Martin Toye and colleagues from NPWS who coordinated the relocation, Michael Stack, Denise (McHugh) Stack, Isaac and Koren Stack, Freya, George Scott, staff from the Donegal Boardwalk bar and restaurant, volunteers of the Donegal IWDG local group, Seamus Gallagher, and Rowhyn Gallagher.”
Anyone who sees a live dolphin, porpoise, or whale in trouble, can call the IWDG stranding hotline at 097 28118 for advice.
“We have a network of IWDG trained volunteers all around Ireland who can help in live standing events,” said the spokesperson.
“If you would like to train with us and join our live stranding network, please get in touch with us via [email protected]”