09/06/2008

Stranded Dolphins Die In Cornish River

More than 20 common dolphins have died after after they became stranded in a Cornish river.

A rescue operation is underway to save further dolphins from swimming too far upstream and becoming beached.

The dolphins' distress cries are believed to encouraged further dolphins to travel upstream.

The dolphins that have died became beached in Percuil River, near Falmouth.

Three more are still stranded and reportedly "remain very ill".

Helmsman Dave Nicoll from Falmouth lifeboat told the BBC that the area was a "horrible scene of carnage with bodies everywhere".

Mr Nicoll added that his team is doing its best to help and "will continue to support the expert groups".

Tony Woodley, national spokesman for British Divers Marine Life Rescue told reporters that he had not seen a stranding on this scale since 1981.

Teams of conservationists, divers and coastguards are now joining forces to attempt to send the remaining dolphins back out to sea.

It is thought that a number of dolphins may have been scared by something and had tried to hide in the river. Another theory is that they may have been chasing fish.

(DS/KMcA)


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