Dolphin rescue effort continues in Cape Cod following mass stranding
- Dozens of dolphins stranded themselves in Cape Cod shallows, prompting a rescue effort.
- Animal rescuers are trying to keep the remaining dolphins away from shallow waters.
- Rescue efforts have managed to reduce the number of stranded dolphins, with some still needing assistance.
In a massive rescue operation off Cape Cod, Massachusetts, animal rescuers worked tirelessly to prevent dozens of dolphins from stranding themselves in shallow waters. The International Fund for Animal Welfare reported that 125 Atlantic white-sided dolphins had stranded on Friday, with ten of them tragically perishing at The Gut in Wellfleet. This incident marked the largest mass stranding the organization had faced in its 26-year history in the area, attributed in part to the unique shape and tidal fluctuations of The Gut. On Saturday, rescue teams located groups of dolphins in perilously shallow areas near Eastham and successfully herded them back into deeper waters. Despite facing challenges such as difficult mud conditions and the dolphins being spread out over a large area, the dedicated rescuers, including over 25 staff and 100 trained volunteers, managed to give the stranded dolphins their best chance at survival. The operation involved on-foot herding and the use of small boats equipped with underwater pingers to guide the dolphins to safety. Following a 12-hour rescue effort, the number of stranded dolphins had significantly decreased by Saturday morning, with only 10 to 20 remaining in the harbor. The International Fund for Animal Welfare described this as a potentially historic event and highlighted the ongoing support from organizations like Whale and Dolphin Conservation, the Center for Coastal Studies, AmeriCorps of Cape Cod, and the New England Aquarium. The rescue efforts were coordinated and continued until sunset, with the focus on ensuring the dolphins were guided back to deeper waters for their well-being. The Herring River Gut, known as a hotspot for mass strandings, was identified as the epicenter of this incident. Misty Niemeyer, the organization's stranding coordinator, emphasized the challenges faced during the rescue operation but praised the team's perseverance in overcoming these obstacles to provide the stranded dolphins with the best possible chance of survival. The collaborative efforts of various groups and individuals underscored the commitment to protecting marine life and responding to such critical situations with urgency and expertise.