Following a suspected case of vandalism which is currently under police investigation, Echo the dolphin has been fixed and is going back on display as part of Guernsey’s Dolphin Discovery Trail.
Echo had been decorated by St Martin’s Primary School, and sponsored by the Guernsey Freemasons, and was only put on display a week ago. However, the statue was found snapped in two on Saturday, (10 May).
Gareth Mitchell, the roofing and leadwork foreman at Apex Roofing, volunteered to fix Echo and he’s putting the final touches to it, before the statue goes back on display in a more secure location.
Meanwhile, another dolphin – Penny Blue, sponsored by Guernsey Post – has also been damaged and is currently being repaired too.
These acts of vandalism mean the launch of the Dolphin Discovery Trail app has been delayed.
Steve Byrne, the GSPCA’s Manager & Dolphin Discovery Trail organiser, said that app will help guide participants around the Trail to raise money for the animal welfare charity and Autism Guernsey.
He also extended his thanks to those who have been involved with the Trail so far, and those who’ve helped with the last minute repairs needed.
“We are delighted to say that thanks to Gareth Mitchell Echo is repaired and back at the school to be re-decorated and will be placed in a slightly more secure location behind a gate at the Masonic Hall next to the school in St Martins.
“We have had lots of help to get us to where we are from Ravenscroft with the plinths, Signrite with the signs, Artex volunteers delivering and testing the app, to our team, volunteers and the Work to Benefit placements have all been incredible.
“We cannot thank the 62 sponsors and artists enough as well as all the locations and so many others such as Bailiwick Express for all they are doing.”
Mr Byrne was very disappointed that two dolphins have been damaged – but he’s still excited about the Trail launching.
“This awful challenge has slowed the launch but we ask islanders to be patient as it is coming very soon and you can see many around the island and enjoy what so many have done for the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey.”
Meanwhile Andrew Sparks, Autism Guernsey’s Director said: “It is awful to see what has happened to Echo the dolphin sponsored by Guernsey Freemasons and decorated by St Martin’s Primary School.
“We were just days away now in getting all the dolphins in place, but this sadly means a slight delay.”
Mr Sparks is not downhearted though, as he knows the majority of the community are in support of the charitable initiative.
“Autism Guernsey and the GSPCA are so excited to get the Dolphin Discovery Trail underway so please watch our media channels to find out all the updates and as terrible as this is we will have it all up and running very soon.
“Thank you to everyone that has helped so far and if anyone would like to sponsor the treasure hunt app to find all the dolphins and be in with a chance to win a prize then please do get in touch.”
Following the discovery of the first vandalised Dolphin statue, Guernsey Police put out an appeal for witnesses.
“Police are appealing for information following an act of criminal damage to a dolphin statue that formed part of a local charity treasure hunt.
“The incident occurred outside the Masonic Centre on Rue De La Vallée, St Martin, where the statue, one of several placed around the island for the community event, was found significantly damaged on Saturday 10th May 2025.
“The dolphin statue was part of a well-supported fundraising initiative, intended to engage families and support a local charity.
“We are urging anyone who may have seen suspicious behaviour in the area, particularly during the evening of Friday 9 May 2025, to come forward.
“Residents or passers-by with dash cam or CCTV footage are also asked to review their recordings and share anything that might assist in the investigation.”
The Dolphin Discovery Trail, despite these challenges, will launch very soon, offering a fun way to support the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey, while raising much needed funds for the charities.
The previous event; the Puffin Patrol, raised £140,000 in total – which was split between the two good causes in 2023.
You can find out more about the Dolphin Discovery Trail on the official website HERE.