WATCHET'S HM Coastguard Search and Rescue Team were called out to help a stranded dolphin on Blue Anchor Beach on Sunday.

Members of the public had sighted the small porpoise on the water line between the Blue Anchor Chalets and Dunster Beach and had entered the cold water to try and keep it alive.

Having raised the alarm to the RSPCA, Coastguards from Watchet were tasked and were on scene within minutes trying to save the animal in the water by supporting it and keeping it’s blow hole above the water and trying to encourage it to swim.  

An RSPCA Inspector arrived soon after to offer support as well.
 
Meanwhile the HM Coastguard Control Room had contacted the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, who specialise in marine animal rescue and who tasked local volunteers from Clevedon to attend and assist with the rescue attempt.

Having arrived on scene the British Divers Marine Life Rescue Team joined the coastguards in the water and began to go about a series of checks on the condition.

Unfortunately after three hours of trying to encourage the young female porpoise to swim, it was determined she was too unwell and distressed to survive, making no efforts and continually rolling over onto it’s back.

Following consultation, the RSPCA inspector decided the porpoise would be saved from further suffering and potential attack from Seals which are also currently in the Bristol Channel at this time, and so was put to sleep shortly after.

The porpoise was then conveyed from the beach for later examination to determine what had caused it to become unwell.