Two dolphins have been safely returned to the sea by medics after becoming stranded on Fraserburgh Beach.
A member of the public first alerted British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) at about 7am today after discovering the two white-beaked dolphins east of Fraserburgh at Tigerhill.
Stacey Esson, the Aberdeenshire coordinator for BDMLR, confirmed their medics headed to the scene after receiving the call and got to work to keep the mammals wet and up right.
She said: “Most of the vets here will not have the experience so we have medics at the scene and a vet on the phone looking at videos and pictures.”
Footage taken at the beach shows the volunteers draping wet sheets over the dolphins to help keep them wet.
Dolphins successfully refloated twice
Both dolphins were fully assessed by the vets by 11am who said they were happy with their condition and would try to refloat them as soon as possible.
They successfully got the dolphins in the water at about midday – but it was not long until they ended up back on the shore.
The BDMLR team stayed in the area after the first refloating to make sure the dolphins did not decide the water was too cold and make their way back to shore.
Members of the public were advised to keep their distance while the medics were at the scene.
From about 3pm, they worked to safely return the mammals to the sea with assistance from Fraserburgh coastguard.
Teams launched with the lifeboat to help guide them further into the water.
The BDLMR coordinator confirmed both dolphins had successfully refloated once again by 6pm.
Public advised to contact BDMLR
BDMLR is a UK-wide charity which rescues marine animals, including seals and dolphins, across the country.
Last year, they responded to more than 3,100 call-outs.
If someone comes across a dolphin, porpoise or whale on land they are advised to call BDMLR or the Scottish SPCA.
The mammals have to be kept cool with water so, if possible, those at the scene can douse them with seawater while avoiding the blowhole.
It is advised to keep dogs and crowds away from the marine mammals and reduce any noise and sudden movements.
Conversation