A dolphin that became stranded on a beach in north Phuket has been rescued by a tourist from New Zealand, with the help of lifeguards and locals.
The New Zealander was the first to spot the stranded marine creature as he walked along Nai Thon Beach yesterday morning, August 28. Mai Thon Beach is in the northern part of the west coast beaches.
With the help of lifeguards, he attempted to assist it back out to sea but their efforts were hampered by strong waves and the dolphin’s weakened state.
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The Phuket News reports that villagers also joined the rescue effort, with Thanapol Keokul, Moo 4 village headman, contacting the Upper Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre for help.
Locals and lifeguards worked to keep the dolphin wet as they waited for the marine experts to arrive. Following advice from marine officials, they covered the creature with a cloth and poured sea water over it, before eventually carrying it to a boat to monitor it.
It’s understood that while it was weak and exhausted, the dolphin showed signs of life by occasionally moving its tail fin. Following the arrival of marine officials, the dolphin was transported to the Sireetarn Marine Endangered Animals Rescue Centre.
Marine biologists at the centre near Cape Panwa are now treating the dolphin and hoping it will make a full recovery.
SOURCE: The Phuket News
