Dolphin stranded on beach dies despite rescue effort

The dolphin was found near a pier at a beach in Devon

A dolphin that became stranded on a beach died shortly after being released back into the sea, rescue crews said.

A rescue charity said it received a call at about 18:30 BST on Saturday saying a dolphin had been found near the pier at Paignton beach in Devon.

The charity, British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), said members of the public tried to refloat the dolphin before the team arrived with Coastguard crews.

Rescuers described the dolphin as "good and calm" at an assessment on the beach. But BDMLR said the dolphin died shortly after being returned to the water at Torquay Harbour.

The dolphin's condition while on the beach had been described as "good" by rescuers

BDMLR said its team and Coastguard crews planned to retrieve the dolphin's body so it could determine what the cause of death was.

A spokesperson for BDMLR added members of public should contact its 24-hour hotline and wait for the rescuers to arrive rather than trying to refloat a stranded animal themselves.

"The public are reminded, that use of correct assessments and moving techniques is essential for long term wellbeing," they said.

"Animals often strand for a reason –and assessment and experienced veterinary review is required prior to attempting to refloat, to prevent further harm or distress to the animal, which may prevent a later successful refloat."