Six dolphins rescued after mass stranding in Orkney on the Island of Westray

Rescuers have successfully refloated six dolphins, including two calves, after a “challenging” mass stranding in Orkney.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) said its Marine Mammal Medics were alerted on Tuesday after island residents reported the animals stranded along the shoreline of Westray.

The dolphins were spread across a wide area, with some located up to 800 metres apart, making the rescue effort difficult to coordinate due to poor mobile phone signal in the remote location.

A rapid multi-agency response was launched, with medics assisted by local charter boat operator Northerly Marine to transport personnel and specialist rescue equipment to the island as quickly as possible.

Each animal was examined and individually identified. Supplied

It is believed the dolphins may have stranded on the previous high tide, possibly due to a navigational error, and became trapped as the water quickly receded in the shallow bay.

After carrying out welfare assessments, the team carefully moved the dolphins closer together to reduce stress and allow for closer monitoring as the tide began to return.

Each animal was examined and individually identified before being assessed as suitable for refloating.

With veterinary authorisation, medics used specialist slings and equipment to support the dolphins as they were refloated on the incoming tide.

All six were observed swimming away, although three remained closer to shore and were still a cause for concern.

BDMLR said medics remain on standby to return at first light should further reports be received.

A statement read: “BDMLR would like to extend sincere thanks to everyone involved, from the members of the public who raised the alarm, to the local support, Westray Coastguard and boat crews who made access possible, and of course to our volunteer Medics for their swift, skilled response in extremely challenging conditions.”

Anyone who spots stranded dolphins along the coastline is urged to contact the BDMLR hotline on 01825 765546.