Dolphins stranding on Ireland's west coast

DUBLIN, Ireland, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- There have been at least six reports of stranded dolphins on the west coast of Ireland in recent weeks, scientists say.

At least three species of dolphins are involved, The Irish Times reports. In the largest stranding, five common dolphins came ashore Saturday on a beach in southern Donegal, with two being rescued by being guided back into the water.

Local residents rescued a dolphin Monday in Killalla Bay in Mayo by floating it into deep water in a tarpaulin. The same day, a striped dolphin, usually found in warmer waters, was discovered dead on the shore of the Shannon Estuary.

Two common dolphins stranded in late July, including one that died. A Risso's dolphin was refloated Thursday after coming ashore on the Mullet Peninsula in Mayo but returned to shore and died Friday.

Simon Berrow of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group said strandings had been running below normal this year until recently, possibly because of strong easterly winds.

"This past fortnight has been unusual, and it is hard to find a common thread," he said. "We'd appeal to the public to contact us for any such sightings or related information."

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