UPDATE: Patong lifeguards rescue stranded young dolphin
A female juvenile spinner dolphin found stranded on Patong Beach is receiving 24-hour veterinary care after lifeguards and marine officials coordinated its rescue.
A young dolphin found stranded alive on Patong Beach in Kathu district has been taken to a marine research facility for veterinary care, The Phuket News reported.
Patong lifeguards kept the dolphin wet with seawater, covered it with damp cloths to prevent overheating and monitored its condition while waiting for marine experts. They also cordoned off the area to prevent people from approaching and causing further stress.
Officials from the Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Resources Research and Development Center in Phuket were called to the scene. The Phuket News reported that they later transported the dolphin, with help from Phuket Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers from the Patong branch, to the centre’s facility at Cape Panwa in Wichit. The Phuket Express referred to the receiving facility as the Siritharn Rare Marine Animal Rescue Center.
The Phuket Express reported that the animal was a rare female juvenile spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris), measuring 158 centimetres and weighing approximately 25 kilograms. Veterinarians found it underweight, with a Body Condition Score of 2/5; it could not swim normally and showed signs of dehydration and hypoglycaemia. The report said the dolphin was observed floating on its side with muscle stiffness, indicating severe distress.
Veterinarians carried out a full health assessment to check the calf’s physical condition, identify injuries and determine the treatment required. A veterinary team provided emergency treatment at the Siritharn Rare Marine Animal Rescue Center, according to the Phuket Express. The dolphin remains under 24-hour observation by veterinarians and marine specialists, with staff working in shifts to support its recovery. Officials hope it will recover sufficiently to be released into the wild.
Officials urged the public not to handle or feed stranded marine animals, including dolphins, whales, dugongs and sea turtles. Anyone who finds an injured or stranded animal should notify the relevant authorities immediately so trained personnel can provide care.
