The rescuers used a fabric sling to keep the 20kg spinner dolphin afloat until a Marine Department rescue team arrived. The dolphin was then transported to a holding tank at the division’s Research and Development Institute. Marine specialists are currently treating and nurturing the dolphin.
The witnesses said the dolphin appeared weak while other beachgoers said they had seen the dolphin swimming close to shore the day before. Patong is on the west coast of Phuket and faces out to the Andaman Sea. The Andaman supports an eclectic range of sea creatures including several dolphin species and Olive Ridley turtles.
Tourists embarking on sightseeing or diving cruises have a reasonable chance of spotting frolicking dolphins while out at sea. 12GO ASIA resident travel specialists say visitors who want to be sure of seeing dolphins should visit the Dolphins Bay dolphinarium in the Chalong area of Phuket.
Rescuers treat beached dolphin at Patong
News in Asia
Good Samaritans gave a helping hand to a stricken dolphin at Phuket’s Patong Beach yesterday morning. Witnesses said the dolphin washed up onto the beach and had visible injuries on both its tail and body.