Orkney Dolphin Stranding: four returned to sea after complex rescue, two lost

British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) teams and local partners have carried out a demanding response after six common dolphins, including two calves, stranded at the Bay of Tuquoy on Westray, Orkney on Tuesday 13 January. The animals were scattered up to 800 metres apart, turning the call-out into a physically punishing operation and making coordination difficult in a remote area with poor phone signal.

With support from the Westray community and agencies including local charter operator Northerly Marine, BDMLR Marine Mammal Medics carried out welfare assessments, individual identification and - following veterinary authorisation - a strategic refloat on the incoming tide, using specialist slings and equipment. All six were initially seen swimming after release, though three remained close to shore, prompting concern.

BDMLR has since confirmed that one dolphin was found dead the next morning, and a second was located alive nearby but had deteriorated significantly; rescuers made the difficult decision to humanely euthanise to prevent further suffering. Both animals are being recovered for post-mortem examination by the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS) to help understand what may have led to the stranding.

This response is also a reminder that not all strandings end in fatalities - and that trained responders like BDMLR can and do give animals a fighting chance when the public reports strandings quickly.