Dead dolphin washes up at Bantham

Kingsbridge Coastguard Rescue Team has attended a call to a dolphin under the cliffs close to Bantham. 

Kingsbridge Coastguard Rescue Team were tasked by Falmouth Coastguard (MRCC) at around 2pm, on 30 July, to investigate reports from RNLI Lifeguards South Devon of a Dolphin under the cliffs close to Bantham. 

A spokesperson for the KCRT said: "Sadly the dolphin was deceased, so our team gathered all the necessary information and then returned to station. Remember if a coastal emergency, dial 999 ask for the Coastguard."

If you find a stranded whale or dolphin, call the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP) hotline.

If the animal is alive, call the hotline immediately 0800 652 0333.

Give as much information as possible about the animal’s location and condition to the CSIP.

It’s important to take care when near a stranded dolphin or whale, as the tail is powerful and can cause injury. Gloves should also be worn when handling a living or dead animal.

If the animal is dead, call the hotline and let them know where you found the animal. To avoid disease, don’t have any contact with the dead animal without the right protective clothing, eg thick rubber gloves.

Main image: stock image of dolphin washed up on a beach