After monitoring it overnight and releasing it back into the sea, the GSPCA remains concerned about the health of a porpoise which became stranded beneath Vale Castle on Sunday.
Anyone who sees a struggling porpoise around the Bailiwick is urged to call 257261 urgently, so the charity can help it again.
The call for help came after the porpoise was seen repeatedly swimming towards the shore.
The GSPCA’s Head of Marine Mammals, Geoff George, and his partner Danni Brouard, headed to the area opposite Vale Castle, where they found the porpoise to be “in a very poor condition”, he said.
The pair made several attempts to guide and re-float the animal, but say it continued to circle back into shallow water, showing no inclination to head out to sea.
Due to the seriousness of its condition, Mr George said they had no option but to get urgent veterinary support.
“It was a difficult situation, and sadly the porpoise was in a very compromised state when we first arrived,” explained Mr George.
“We did everything we could to stabilise it, re-float it, and give it the best possible chance with veterinary support.”
A vet from The Vetcare Centre joined Mr George and Ms Brouard and it was decided that the porpoise had to be moved as it was still struggling in the water and the tidal conditions were becoming more challenging.
They took it to the bathing pools where it was monitored throughout the night.
This morning the porpoise was re-floated but it may become stranded again, warned Mr George.
“Moving it to the Bathing Pools allowed us to monitor it safely through the night,” he said.
“These cases are always challenging, but we remain hopeful, and we ask the public to report any sightings straight away.”
If anyone sees a porpoise or any marine mammal in difficulty, or if this individual re-beaches, please contact the GSPCA immediately on 01481 257261.
GSPCA
Mr George’s boss at the GSPCA has praised him for his work with this particular porpoise and has asked for any further sightings to be reported immediately so the charity can help it again.
“Strandings like this are rare but incredibly emotional and demanding for everyone involved,” said GSPCA Manager, Steve Byrne.
“The last stranded sea mammal we helped was ‘Fortune’ some years ago, so we know how important rapid response and community awareness are in these situations.
“We’re extremely grateful to Geoff, those that helped, and the vet who attended. If anyone ever sees a dolphin, porpoise, seal, or any marine animal in distress, please call the GSPCA straight away — the sooner we know, the better the chances of helping them.”
Mr Byrne said the charity is monitoring this porpoise as closely as it can and any further updates will be shared.
In the meantime, the public are encouraged to stay vigilant along the coastline and report any sightings of marine mammals that may need help.
The call for help came just a day after the charity had successfully released three seals back into the wild.
Mr George, Mss Brouard, and colleagues at the animal welfare charity had successfully released Glacier, Frosty, and Avalanche.
Four more seals remain in the care of the GSPCA at its headquarters in St Andrew’s.