PE Dolphin rescue:

NSRI Port Elizabeth helped to get a Striped Dolphin back into the sea at Kings Beach. Photographs by BARNEL PHOTOGRAPHERS.At 07h00 on Friday the 1st February, NSRI Port Elizabeth were alerted by members of the public saying that they had been trying since early this morning to get a Striped Dolphin back into the sea at Kings Beach. The adult female dolphin was found on the beach that morning but she dolphin kept re-stranding herself despite their best efforts.NSRI Port Elizabeth contacted the local Bay World marine staff and the Department of Environmental Affairs - Oceans and Coasts who agreed to go to investigate.Ian Gray, NSRI Port Elizabeth station commander, said that at approximately 09h00 PE volunteers were called out following a request for assistance from the authorities. On arrival on-scene our sea rescue craft EIKOS RESCUER IV was used to transport the dolphin out at sea where she was released.Marine Scientists are cautiously optimistic that the dolphin appeared to look healthy on its release into the ocean and that she may survive. They have taken samples from the dolphin for analysis.Earlier reports from eye-witnesses suggested that the dolphin was, prior to initially beaching, in the company of a juvenile dolphin, thought to be her calf.The area will continue to be monitored.PICTURES ARE AVAILABLE FOR MEDIA USE ON THE NSRI FLICKR PAGE. Photographs by BARNEL PHOTOGRAPHERS. Photographs by BARNEL PHOTOGRAPHERS. Photographs by BARNEL PHOTOGRAPHERS. Photographs by BARNEL PHOTOGRAPHERS. EIKOS RESCUER IV was used to transport the dolphin out at sea where she was released. Picture NSRI.