Marine experts and firefighters successfully freed a dolphin that had become entangled in netting while swimming in the River Orwell in Ipswich. The mammal was observed by crowds as it navigated the river, trapped by green netting wrapped around its beak and pectoral fins.
British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) attended the scene, noting that despite the entanglement, the dolphin was able to breathe and swim strongly, actively avoiding nearby vessels. The organization stated that the dolphin was "distressingly spotted" with the netting.
Initially, the dolphin was seen swimming in circles and moving upstream. While this behavior can sometimes indicate foraging for food, the entanglement raised concerns. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service deployed a crew on a boat, which marine mammal medics used to cut the dolphin free. Following the rescue, the dolphin was assessed and found to have sustained minor wounds. BDMLR volunteers will continue to monitor the animal, expressing hope that it will return to the sea.