Volunteer groups in dolphin rescue off north Mayo

LIFEBOAT volunteers in north Mayo have helped in a dolphin rescue off Belmullet.

Ballyglass RNLI inshore lifeboat launched yesterday (Thursday) afternoon after volunteer members of the local Mayo Irish Whale and Dolphin Group raised the alarm after spotting dolphins in receding waters close to Belmullet, at the Broadhaven end of town.

With the large bottlenose dolphins' survival compromised due to their location, under the command of helm Allen Murray, with volunteer crew Ryan Geraghty and Seán Reilly, the Clann Lir RIB launched shortly after 4 p.m. Advised by IWDG's national live strandings coordinator Gemma O'Connor, they were able to assist an independent juvenile dolphin to make it safely back to deeper water.

“It was a tricky but successful call-out. There was great communication and collaboration between two local community groups, RNLI and IWDG.

“It was an unusual one and great work was done. Ní neart go cur le chéile,” said Pádraig Sheeran, RNLI lifeboat operations manager, who was on scene with Coxswain James Mangan as shore crew.

Call 112/999 if you see trouble near or on the water and ask for the Coast Guard.

If you see a dolphin or whale close to/on shore contact IWDG on (097) 28118 stranding hotline.