Police on the North Shore went into the water at suburban Castor Bay earlier tonight to assist in the rescue of a young dolphin.
Two police officers, on routine I-Car patrol and another Constable from the Strategic Traffic Unit went to Castor Bay after a member of the public called to say that a dolphin was stranded on the beach.
The incident happened at about 6.00pm Saturday 26 July 2008. Two adults and two children were already in the water supporting the young mammal.
Police describe the conditions at the time as atrocious with heavy rain, strong winds, and icy cold, very rough seas. A small group of onlookers gathered to watch the rescue.
The three officers one of whom is female, went into the water in full uniform after encouraging the children to exit because of the severe cold. They were waste deep in the sea for more than twenty minutes during vain efforts to encourage the dolphin to go back into deeper water.
Department of Conservation staff arrived at the scene and the dolphin was successfully lifted onto a local resident's trailer with the support of numerous towels to keep him dry.
Police say the young dolphin appeared to be disorientated and further attempts by DOC staff to encourage him back out to sea will continue through the night at Bayswater Marina.
The young dolphin had a minor cut on its nose but was considered to be breathing normally.
The three officers have since returned to their base at the North Shore Policing Centre where they have each taken a much needed, soothing hot shower.
They will continue their late shift patrol duty until 2.00am tomorrow morning.
ENDS;
Kevin [Kev] Loughlin
District Communications Manager / Media Advisor
Waitemata Police District
Phone 09 488 9758 - Extn 96308 / Mobile 027 281 0271
Email - kevin.loughlin@police.govt.nz