A major rescue operation launched to save two dolphins stranded on Monifieth beach ended with them being successfully returned to sea.
The alert was raised at 9am on Wednesday and the attempt to get the dolphins back in the water lasted several hours.
Members of the public were asked to stay away to allow the rescue mission to go ahead without adding further stress to the dolphins.
Dolphins successfully refloated
A spokesman for Broughty Ferry lifeboat crew involved in the rescue operation said: “Aberdeen Coastguard requested the launch of the Inshore Lifeboat to assist in the refloating of two stranded dolphins in the vicinity of Monifieth beach.
“Broughty Ferry Lifeboat crew worked alongside partner agencies including British Divers Maritime Life Rescue volunteers.
“After a few unsuccessful attempts, with subsequent re-beachings the dolphins were gradually appearing healthier and were successfully refloated.”
Rescue teams giving first aid at Monifieth
Broughty Ferry lifeboat, a coastguard rescue team and a team of medics from British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) were all involved in the rescue.
A spokeswoman for HM Coastguard said: “We received a report at 9am that two dolphins were stranded on the sand at Monifieth beach.
“First aid was given to the dolphins by BDMLR while the attempt was made to return to the dolphins into the water.
“The dolphins were quite far up the sand but as the tide has risen the dolphins the attempt was made to return them to the water.”
A spokesman for BDMLR asked that no members of the public go to the area during the operation.
He said: “Noise and more people will only stress these animals out more.
“First aid is being given and BDMLR medics are both on scene and on route.”
